[Info-vax] DCL's flaws (both scripting and UI)

[Jan-Erik Soderholm]

David Froble skrev den 2015-01-20 18:50:
> Jan-Erik Soderholm wrote:
>
>> OK, so a similar data type exist in the base Basic distribution?
>> I thought not.
>
> If your position is dependent upon a particular data type existing, then I
> submit the following:
>
>
> 10    Dim L$(99,2)   ! Create an array of dynamic string descriptors
>
>      <some code to load L$(index,1) with a key value
>      and L$(index,2) with the associated data>
>
>      ! This would be the "tool" to retrive data based upon the key
>      String Function RetriveData( <key> )
>          For I% = 1% to 99%
>              If    <key> = L$(I%,1%)
>              Then    RetriveData = L$(I%,2%)
>                  Exit Function
>              End If
>          Next I%
>          RetriveData = ""
>      End Function
>
>      ! This would be a retrival
>      D$ = RetriveData( <some key> )
>

Yes, but that uses a sequential search of the array, right?
The search time will grow in line with the size of the array.

Python dict's are hashed on the key and has very fast search
on the key value for any reasonable size within your current
memory limits.

Jan-Erik.