[SOLVED] How to test whether 2 arrays contain the same elements in zsh / Unix shell?

Issue

What is the right way to test whether 2 zsh arrays are structurally equal, i.e., contain the same elements?

[[ $array1 == $array2 ]] passes a few tests but I don't know whether it's the correct form and I can't seem to find the topic discussed anywhere.

I'm writing zsh code at the moment but I'm also interested in a portable answer (bash/POSIX) if different.

Solution

Here's a basic function that compares two array variables element by element:

#!/usr/bin/env zsh

# Takes the names of two array variables
arrayeq() {
    typeset -i i len

    # The P parameter expansion flag treats the parameter as a name of a
    # variable to use
    len=${#${(P)1}} 

    if [[ $len -ne ${#${(P)2}} ]]; then
       return 1
    fi

    # Remember zsh arrays are 1-indexed
    for (( i = 1; i <= $len; i++)); do
        if [[ ${(P)1[i]} != ${(P)2[i]} ]]; then
            return 1
        fi
    done
}

arr1=(1 apple 3 4)
arr2=(1 apple 4 5)

if arrayeq arr1 arr2; then
    print They match
else
    print They are different
fi

Answered By - Shawn

Answer Checked By - Cary Denson (WPSolving Admin)