Multiple arrays vs multidimensional array

[DarkFingers1337]

Hey,

what is more efficient, using multiple arrays or one multidimensional array?

 

; Hamster data structure using multiple arrays
Global $HamsterCount = 6
Global $HamsterX[$HamsterCount]
Global $HamsterY[$HamsterCount]

;giving each hamster an x and y position
For $i=0 To $HamsterCount-1
    $HamsterX[$i] = 0
    $HamsterY[$i] = 0
Next

; The same hamster data structure using one multidimensional array
Global $HAMSTER_COUNT = 6
Global Enum $HAMSTER_X, _
            $HAMSTER_Y, _
            $HAMSTER_MAX
Global $Hamsters[$HAMSTER_COUNT][$HAMSTER_MAX]

;giving each hamster an x and y position
For $i=0 To $HAMSTER_COUNT-1
    $Hamsters[$i][$HAMSTER_X] = 0
    $Hamsters[$i][$HAMSTER_Y] = 0
Next

 

[BrewManNH]

It depends on your definition of efficient. Less typing, easier to read code, memory usage, faster execution speed, etc.

Explain you're parameters for efficiency and you can test everything yourself. 

[DarkFingers1337]

I meant more efficient to run the program. Faster computation and more efficient RAM usage

When you say test it yourself, does that mean you don't know how the difference between two 1D arrays and one 2D array might affect referencing times? I'm somewhat surprised, I would've expected this has been benchmarked already. Well, maybe somebody else might know.

Edited January 15, 2019 by DarkFingers1337

[Melba23]

DarkFingers1337,

Quote

I'm somewhat surprised, I would've expected this has been benchmarked already

So here is your chance - do the benchmarking yourself so we can all share the result. Because I very much doubt anyone else is going to do it for you.

M23

[BrewManNH]

17 hours ago, DarkFingers1337 said:

When you say test it yourself, does that mean you don't know how the difference between two 1D arrays and one 2D array might affect referencing times?

It means exactly that. I've never tested it, and I'm not aware of anyone else ever posting a test result of that. Frankly, in all of the scripts I've done, the only time speed of execution comes up for me is if it's doing something that requires timing constraints. Everything else is, "it gets done when it finishes", the time it takes to do it is secondary to making sure it gets done right.

[DarkFingers1337]

Ok, thanks. I'm trying to write a simulation in AutoIt, something like an ant farm and was wondering what would be the best way to organize data structures. 

[Skysnake]

The AutoIt wiki has an extensive discussion on array functions.  Have you looked at that?