RE: array handling

["Joe Pluta" <joepluta@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Richard Reeve
>
> Very interesting.  I had never really thought about
> 'optimizing' an array, but it certainly makes good
> sense.  I appreciate the pointers.

Well, it's really only an issue when you're dealing with performance, and
since table caching is all about performance, it only makes sense to make it
perform as well as possible.  The ASCEND trick is very simple to implement,
so I thought I'd mention it.  The backloading technique is usually only
required when you're writing tools, because the number of entries in your
arrays can fluctuate wildly (for example, the number of field names in a
program).  In most application circumstances, you can pretty much size the
array as needed, so backloading is not required, but even in those
circumstances the ASCEND technique makes sense.

Anyway, I have to stop typing or I'll be a wreck today... but it was nice to
find a situation where my copious knowledge of esoteric computer trivia was
actually helpful <grin>.

Joe