C++ Exercises: Rearrange the elements of a given array of integers in zig-zag fashion way

Last update on August 16 2025 12:56:00 (UTC/GMT +8 hours)

12. Zig-Zag Array Rearrangement

Write a C++ program to rearrange the elements of a given array of integers in a zig-zag pattern.
Note: The format zig-zag array in form a < b > c < d > e < f.

Sample Solution:

C++ Code :

#include<iostream> // Header file for input/output stream
using namespace std; // Using the standard namespace

// Function to rearrange the array elements in zigzag fashion
void zig_zag_array(int nums[], int n)
{
    bool ans = true; // Variable to track the pattern (if the next element should be greater or smaller)

    // Loop through the array and rearrange elements in zigzag pattern
    for (int i = 0; i <= n - 2; i++)
    {
        if (ans) // If the pattern is to have the next element greater
        {
            if (nums[i] > nums[i + 1]) // Swap if the current element is greater than the next element
                swap(nums[i], nums[i + 1]);
        }
        else // If the pattern is to have the next element smaller
        {
            if (nums[i] < nums[i + 1]) // Swap if the current element is smaller than the next element
                swap(nums[i], nums[i + 1]);
        }
        ans = !ans; // Toggle the pattern for the next iteration
    }
}

int main()
{
    int nums[] = {0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10}; // Declaration and initialization of an integer array
    int n = sizeof(nums) / sizeof(nums[0]); // Calculate the number of elements in the array
    cout << "Original array: ";
    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++)
        cout << nums[i] << " "; // Output each element of the original array
    zig_zag_array(nums, n); // Rearrange array elements in zigzag fashion
    cout << "\nNew array elements: ";
    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++)
        cout << nums[i] << " "; // Output each element of the modified array
    return 0;
}

Sample Output:

Original array: 0 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 
New array elements: 0 3 1 5 4 7 6 10 8

Flowchart:

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

Write a C++ program to rearrange an array into a zig-zag pattern so that elements alternate between less than and greater than their neighbors.
Write a C++ program that reads an unsorted array and transforms it into a sequence following the pattern a < b > c < d ... using swaps.
Write a C++ program to modify an array to achieve a zig-zag order by scanning through and swapping adjacent elements as needed.
Write a C++ program that outputs a zig-zag patterned array after sorting and then adjusting elements pairwise.

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C++ Code Editor:

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