When working with a list, an array is an obvious choice
When working with a list, an array is an obvious choice.
But sometimes it's preferable to use an object instead.
Here's when:
1. Each item has a unique ID
2. You plan to retrieve by ID
In this scenario, an object is more efficient and convenient.
#javascript #reactjs
My question: What do you call the pattern on the right?
Dictionary? Hash table?
Wikipedia calls it an "associative array" here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associative_array, but I find that name confusing since it's an object.
I call it an object keyed by ID. Thoughts?
Also, I should clarify the big difference in big O notation.
Array: 𝑶(𝓃) 👎
Object: 𝑶(1) 👍
With the array, the larger it gets, the slower the lookup gets.
With the object, array size doesn't affect lookup speed. It's "direct" access, so it's always fast.