Without numbers, it's all speculation.

That isn't entirely true. Most modern computer and math theory is based on 'formalism' which involves the use of symbols and variables in place of numbers. Why? Because benchmark only tells you the runtime for a given machine with a given set of external variables and a given input. If you trully want to know if something will be faster you must first look at it analytically (sp?) and determine which should be faster. Then explore worst case/best case scenarios.

And then check your work with a couple benchmarks... but to some extent, you are right... it doesn't hurt to benchmark. I'm just saying its not the complete solution.

In reply to RE: RE: Is a hash faster? by Adam
in thread Is a hash faster? by rkac

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