Collections in VBScript?

[CiberTHuG]

I have a VBScript ASP, and I really want to use hash tables. I can use the VB Collection data structure as a hash table, but I can't get it to work in VBScript.

Am I correct in guessing that one can't use the Collection structure in VBScript?

[Danial]

How about using the Dictionary Object in asp/vbscript, its amost the same as the Collection object in VB.

Hope this helps.

Danial

[CiberTHuG]

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/de...bscripttoc.asp

MSDN is terribly not helpful. Is there any documentation on this dictionary data type?

[Danial]

Here is one, do search on google for "Dictionary Object" and you will find loads of links.

http://www.w3schools.com/asp/asp_ref_dictionary.asp

[CiberTHuG]

So, what is the difference between a dictionary structure and a collection structure?

[Danial]

Hi Travis,
Personally i havent used the Dictionary object, but have seen other people using it. Here is a link From MSDN which should answer your question.

I think asp.net supports collection object and something similar to hash table. Do check the specification of asp.net if you are interested.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q187234

The Dictionary is quite similar to the Collection object in both functionality and purpose. The Dictionary, however, offers some functionality that is not available with a Collection. Some of these features include:


The option to specify a comparison method for Keys. This allows for a case-sensitive Key, for example.


A method for determining if an object exists in a Dictionary.

A method for extracting all of the Keys into an Array.

A method for extracting all of the Items into an Array.

A method for changing a Key value.

A method for removing all items from the Dictionary.

Dictionary Keys are not limited to String datatype.

NOTE: One important difference between the Collection object and the Dictionary object is the behavior of the Item property. If you use the Item property to reference a nonexistent Key in a Collection, you will receive an error. If you use the Item property to reference a nonexistent Key in a Dictionary, that Key will be added to the Dictionary. Use the Exists method to determine whether or not a Key is present in a Dictionary.

The Dictionary object is a component of the Microsoft Scripting library, which does not ship with Visual Basic version 5.0 or later.

[CiberTHuG]

Thanks for you help.

My client sees no immediate need to change to ASP.NET. And if I had any influence I would push them toward a more portable standard than .NET.