How to rearrange data in array so that two similar items are not next to each other?

Question

Just want to rearrange the data in array so that similar items are not next to each. The data should not be removed from the array, if it can\'t be rearranged it can be put

Answer 1

Take the entire array and scan it for duplicates. When you encounter dupes, remember where they are. So for something like 2 1 2 2* 3 3* 3* 4 4* 2 2* 5. The ones with stars should be remembered.

Now look at the "Remembered" stuff, you have 2 2's, 2 3's and a 4

Now I'd sort those LISTS the most numerous first (2's and 3's) to the least numerous (4's)

Now just take the most numerous that doesn't duplicate the current "Front" (which would be 3 because 2 duplicates) and move it to the front, then remove it from your list.

repeat until the lists are empty. The second time through your list will start with "3" and you will have 2 2's a 3 and a 4, so you'll put one of the 2's in the front...

If you have any left (it can only be one number) put it at the end..

done, cake.