How to search and replace with in 2d array in android -

i have sqlite db 4 columns. i.e. id , rule body, cons , bool. can insert data , retrieve using cursor , store in 2d array. example row can like

id     rule body                 cons              bool 1      jogging(?x)               athelete(?x)      0 2      athelete(?x)              runsfast(?x)      0 3      athelete(?x),runsfast(?x) champion(?x)      0 

same structure of array without columns heading. want user has give input in following format

jogging(alan) 

it has replace ?x in 2darray , enter alan in ?x place.

1      jogging(alan)                  athelete(alan)      0 2      athelete(alan)                 runsfast(alan)      0 3      athelete(alan),runsfast(alan)  champion(alan)      0 

if jogging(alan) found copy cons of jogging(alan) newarray[].

newarray[athelete(alan)] 

newarray[] carry athlete(alan). newarray[] has been updated search again athlete(alan) if found save runsfast(alan) newarray[]. again updated , have athelete(alan),runsfast(alan) in newarray[].

newarray[athelete(alan),runfast(alan)] 

now search athelete(alan),runsfast(alan) , add champion(alan) newarray[] repeat again , time no match found quit.

newarray[athelete(alan),runfast(alan),runfast(alan)] 

any ideas please

one way use split using character in ur case ( split joggin(?x) jogging , ?x) u can strip ) using replace method. jogging(alan) joggin , alan) add them arraylist or storing structure u can use ease. in case of array u can search if

rule[x] matches fact[x]  copy fact[x+1] rule[x+1]  

so in case find jogging in 1 array equal jogging in other array, copy next item other array replacing ?x.

i guess u r working on rule based horn-clauses thats why u r using format?