Math.Max, Math.Min

These VB.NET functions find the largest, and smallest, values when passed 2 values. Max() and Min are function calls that contain if-statements.

By calling Math.Max and Math.Min in a loop, we can search an array for the smallest and largest elements. Constants like Integer.MaxValue are also helpful.

Simple example

First we show a simple use of Math.Max. The Math.Min function can be used in the same way—try changing Math.Max to Math.Min in this code.

Module Module1
    Sub Main()
        Dim value1 = 100
        Dim value2 = 200
        ' Compare the 2 values.
        Dim max = Math.Max(value1, value2)
        Console.WriteLine("MAX: {0}", max)
    End Sub
End Module
MAX: 200

Complex example

In this example we create an array of 7 integer values. Next we initialize the largest and smallest Integer variables.

Module Module1
    Sub Main()
        ' Find largest and smallest elements in array.
        Dim vals As Integer() = {1, 4, 100, -100, 200, 4, 6}

        Dim largest As Integer = Integer.MinValue
        Dim smallest As Integer = Integer.MaxValue

        For Each element As Integer In vals
            largest = Math.Max(largest, element)
            smallest = Math.Min(smallest, element)
        Next

        Console.WriteLine(largest)
        Console.WriteLine(smallest)
    End Sub
End Module
200
-100

Performance

There are other ways to determine the maximum and minimum values in an array of Integers. But some of these would require two separate passes through the array.

The Math.Max and Math.Min functions are a declarative way of testing the 2 values against each other. Because they result in shorter code, they are often preferable.