Fixing the MergeSort Function in Java: Resolving the Zeroes Issue

Discover how to solve issues with your Java `MergeSort` function that displays zeroes instead of sorted numbers. Follow these simple steps to fix your code and sort arrays correctly.
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Fixing the MergeSort Function in Java: Resolving the Zeroes Issue

Are you struggling with a MergeSort function in Java that is displaying a perplexing result like 0000002468? If you've followed a guide, like the one from BroCode, and still can't figure out why your output contains unexpected zeroes, you're not alone. It's crucial to understand the underpinnings of your code to troubleshoot effectively. In this guide, we'll break down the solution step-by-step, helping you to correct the mistakes in your MergeSort implementation.

The Problem

You attempted to sort an array containing numbers from 0 to 9, but the output was not what you expected. Instead of seeing the sorted numbers in ascending order, you ended up with a series of zeros as a prefix in front of the actual sorted numbers. Let’s take a look at the snippet of code you've provided.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

As you can see, the issue lies in the way you’re filling the rightArray during the array splitting process.

The Solution

Issue Explanation

The root cause of your problem is that you forgot to increment the index j for the rightArray in this part of your code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Since j isn't being incremented, every time you assign a value to rightArray, you're always writing to the first position of that array, effectively replacing any previous values.

Code Correction

To fix this, simply modify your code to ensure that j is incremented after each assignment to rightArray. Here’s the correction you need to implement:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Revised Merge Sort Implementation

After making the above change, your mergeSort function should look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By fixing the index incrementation for the rightArray, you should now see your array being sorted correctly without leading zeroes. This small change can save you a headache and ensure that your MergeSort implementation works as intended.

Feel free to experiment with different sets of input to see how your sorting algorithm performs. Happy coding!