Question

I need to parse and separate input strings using VB.NET. Split method works in Example 1, but my problem is when I need to “skip” a space if the following value isn’t in the list like Example2. My code works as expected for String1 using Split, but it fails my needs when it outputs EXT1000 and 3 as individual values – they should be part of the original string if not found in the list.
I would prefer to keep it in Linq if possible. Generate some type of collection to be used for later manipulation. The main output will end up with a For Each “Results” WriteLine in text file.

list = {“AB”, “CD”, “EFG”, “HI”, …. “MN”, “OP”, “QR”…}

(results from LINQ from external file. I’m not using it in my code yet, but I think I’ll need to incorporate some comparison)

• String1 = “AB CD5 EFG10 HI2 AB” (mC..Value.Split)
• Results1: (multiCode)
• AB (m)
• CD5 (m)
• EFG10 (m)
• HI2 (m)

• AB (m)

• String2 = “MN3 MN4 OP8 EXT1000 QR 3”

• Results2:
• MN3
• MN4
• OP8 EXT1000 (should skip space because “EXT” isn’t in list)

• QR 3 (should skip space because “3” isn’t in list)

  Dim multiPoint As IEnumerable(Of XElement) = _
  From mPoint In xdoc….Reverse

  Dim multiCode = _
  From mC In multiPoint _
  From m In mC..Value.Split _
  Select m

  For Each cd In multiCode
  Console.WriteLine(cd)
  Next

Answer 1

Dim MasterList As String() = {"AB", "CD", "EFG", "HI", "MN", "OP", "QR"}

Dim OtherList As String() = {"AB3", "CD4", "EFG1000", "3"}

Dim DesiredList As String() = (From strValueInMasterList As String In MasterList _
                               From strValueFromOtherList As String In OtherList _
                               Where strValueFromOtherList.StartsWith(strValueInMasterList) _
                               Select strValueFromOtherList).ToArray()