Usually, the tradeoff is RAM vs. CPU - the more you use in one, the less in the other. However, using memory just cause it's there can lead to page faults, which then slows you down. Use the least amount of any resource that you have to use, is my motto.

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We are the carpenters and bricklayers of the Information Age.

The idea is a little like C++ templates, except not quite so brain-meltingly complicated. -- TheDamian, Exegesis 6

Please remember that I'm crufty and crochety. All opinions are purely mine and all code is untested, unless otherwise specified.