Question

For example suppose I have a sorted list

val sorted = List(1, 5, 15, 37, 39, 42, 50)

The smallest gap is (39-37)=2. How would I obtain this result? I have been looking at foldLeft I get the feeling it is similar to what I need but not quite the right thing

Answer 1

val sorted = List(1, 5, 15, 37, 39, 42, 50)
(sorted.tail,sorted).zipped.map(_-_).min
//res2: Int = 2

[Edit]

You can use a fold as well:

sorted.tail.foldLeft((sorted.head,Int.MaxValue))((x,y) => (y, math.min(y-x._1,x._2)))._2