"Albert-Jan Roskam" <[email protected]> wrote
Maybe my main question is as follows: what permanent object is most
suitable to
store a large amount of entries (maybe too many to fit into the
computer's
memory), which can be looked up very fast.
It depends on the nature of the object and the lookup but in general
a database would be the best solution. For special (heirarchical)
data an LDAP directory may be more appropriate.
Otherwise you are looking at a custom designed file structure.
Eventually, I want to create two objects:
1-one to look up street name and city using zip code
2-one to look up zip code using street name, apartment number and
city
For this a simple relational database wouldbe best.
SQLlite should do and is part of the standard library.
It can also be used in memory for faster speed with smaller data sets.
You suggest to simply use a file. I like simple solutions, but
doesn't that, by
definition, require a slow, linear search?
No, you can use random access provided yopu can relate the key to the
location - thats what databases do for you under the covers.
Funny you should mention sqlite: I was just considering it
yesterday. Gosh,
Python has so much interesting stuff to offer!
Sqlite operating in-memory would be a good solution for you I think.
You can get a basic tutorial on Sqllite and python in the databases
topic
of my tutorial...
HTH,
--
Alan Gauld
Author of the Learn to Program web site
http://www.alan-g.me.uk/
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