How to find the nearest number between flutter variables?

Question

I have a number in an int variable (call it "a"), and i have 12 another int variables which contains a number. How could i find the nearest number to "a" from other variables? Should i use a List, or other compare method?

Solution

The code is a bit verbouse, but I hope it helps you understand, how you can approach writing logic in dart.

If you feel like optimizing this code, check out the different ways you can find a minimum value inside a list and combine it with the "lowest-difference to a number"-logic :)

Note: If you want a playground to check out code snippets like this, use the Dart Pad!

import 'dart:math';

void main() {
  List numbersList = [-10, 22]; // play around with it
  List<int> differenceList = []; // helper list
  int compareNumber = -11; // play around with it
   
  // 1. Check if identical number is in numbersList:
  bool checkForIdenticalNumber() {
    if(numbersList.contains(compareNumber)) {
      print("The number $compareNumber is identical to the compareNumber");
      return true;
    } 
    return false;
  }
      
  // 2. Define checking logic:
  void checkDifference(int number) {
    if (number > compareNumber) {
         int difference = number - compareNumber; 
         differenceList.add(difference); 
     } else {
           int difference = compareNumber - number; 
           differenceList.add(difference);     
         }
  }
    
  
  // 3. Use Check forEach element on numbersList:
   void findNearestNumber() {
    numbersList.forEach(
    (number) => checkDifference(number)
    );
  }  
  
    
  // 4. Identify the solution:
    void checkForSolution() {
      int index = differenceList.indexWhere((e) => e == differenceList.reduce(min));
      print("The closest number is: ${numbersList[index]}");
    }
  
  // 5. Only execute logic, if the number to compare is not inside the numbersList:
  bool isIdentical = checkForIdenticalNumber();
  if (!isIdentical) {
  findNearestNumber(); 
  // print(numbersList);
  // print(differenceList);
  checkForSolution();
 }
}