An array access by index will be faster than a hash table lookup, but not by all that much unless you do this a bazillion times.

Accessing an array is measurably, and for some things substantially, faster than accessing a hash; but the big problems with using an array for the OPs usage are:

  1. Creating an array that has 4 billion slots;
  2. Or truncating the 32-bit value to some more reasonable size and then dealing with collisions.

Perl's hashes take care of this; and do so very efficiently.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". I knew I was on the right track :)
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In reply to Re^5: Generating Unique numbers from Unique strings by BrowserUk
in thread Generating Unique numbers from Unique strings by rjohn1

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