I have a simple programming query that I'm hoping you can help clarify.
Currently, I am dealing with numerous objects and I am contemplating whether it's more efficient to search for content within an array of objects or within a nested object structure.
For example, I could store the same data sample in two different ways:
data1 = [
{ "id":1, "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
{ "id":2, "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
{ "id":3, "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
{ "id":4, "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
.....
]
and
data2 = {
"id_1": { "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
"id_2": { "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
"id_3": { "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
"id_4": { "key1: "value1", "key2:"value2"},
.....
}
The challenge is to retrieve a specific property from a nested child object based solely on the id value (without knowing the index).
If I opt for the array method, it would involve using loops and array filters to access values within individual objects. This approach seems cumbersome as iterating through each child object feels inefficient. However, experienced programmers often utilize arrays when working with similar data structures.
On the other hand, utilizing a nested object structure allows direct retrieval by calling data2.id_2.key2 to access the required value.
Which approach do you recommend? Considering I will be handling large datasets, which option offers better performance?