Are there downsides for using a hash I am not considering?

A fully populated 2000x2000 entry HoHs will require around 250MB. Well within the bounds of any modern system. Even my smartphone can handle it. And you can iterate the entire thing in a couple of seconds, so performance isn't an issue.

Whether it is the best mechanism for your particular application rather depends on whether this is a one-off program, or if it needs to be run many times per day (or hour or minute); and where the data to populate that HoHs comes from and what you do with it when the program ends.

The more information you are able to give about the needs and restraints of the application, the more likely you are to get a meaningful assessment of the options available to you.

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".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

The start of some sanity?

In reply to Re: Array vs. Hash by BrowserUk
in thread Array vs. Hash by Anonymous Monk

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