Multiple int arrays or one String array?

[Prime624]

I have a program in which I need to keep track of what squares of a grid are occupied by what. The grid itself is an array of JLabels 10 rows by 20 columns (unnessecary information). I need to keep track of which squares are occupied by what type of thing, and which of those things it is occupied by. I could use one String array [10][20] with values "(type of thing)"+(number) or multiple int arrays [10][20] with value (number) and the type of thing as the name of the array. If I do that, should I make one more boolean array for ease of use in methods (all the things would cause the same basic actions) or just mention all arrays in the methods?

Sorry if its confusing or unclear. I'm about to slumber but was pondering this and I resolved to ask someone else's opinion.

[JosAH]

Don't encode the type information and other stuff in a String; also don't use two arrays that are logically 'tied together'; both options are clumsy at best. Create a small class for that purpose and have a single array of objects of that class.

kind regards,

Jos

[Prime624]

I understand why not to use a String array, as I've already had some trouble with them, but why shouldn't I semi-link them? It would just be a [10][20] boolean array. True for anything there and false for nothing there.

[JosAH]

I understand why not to use a String array, as I've already had some trouble with them, but why shouldn't I semi-link them? It would just be a [10][20] boolean array. True for anything there and false for nothing there.

Why should you 'link' them? There'd be nothing in the code that prevents you from ruining the two arrays so that the 'link' doesn't make sense anymore.

kind regards,

Jos

[Prime624]

Just to say "if this array[y][x] or this array[y][x] then boolean array[y][x] is true."

[JosAH]

Just to say "if this array[y][x] or this array[y][x] then boolean array[y][x] is true."

So you have a situation where C= f(A, B) whatever f and A and B may be; also f( ... ) can be calculated in O(1) (i.e. "one simple step"); so you don't need C at all, just use f(A, B)

kind regards,

Jos

[Prime624]

Thank you for your help.