How does one make wise use dictionaries in ESP?

Former Member · ‎10-23-2014

Folks,

I have a project with several Flex windows, wherein I have a significant dependency on use of dictionaries.

In most cases I am modifying the contents of the dictionaries on a frequent basis to maintain a notion

of "most recent" information. This information is then used to enrich, map or derive other content on the

way through the Flex window.

My project grows in memory fast.....out of control actually. I suspect [now] that I am being wreckless

with my dictionary use. What rules of thumb should I follow? Do I need to do some kind of periodic

"cleanup" of my dictionaries (copy, delete, recreate)?

Looking for advice on best practices here from people who have been there and faced this.

Thanks,

Michael

JWootton · ‎11-04-2014

I agree with Alice - you may want to have a look at Event Cache. You can also reference the output window that a Flex is creating from within the Flex - to look at previous values, for example.

As for using dictionaries, yes you do need to do clean up - and remember that the memory isn't released until the flex 'exits'. So if you create and delete lots of dictionaries in the flex, the delete won't take effect until the flex completely finishes processing the event.

Also: don't just keep adding things to the dictionary without ever deleting - or you will have an infinitely growing dictionary.

If you thing you are following all those rules and still having problems, give us more details or share a sample of the CCL. Or conversely, describe what you need to do and someone may be able to show you an example of a "safe" (and efficient) way to do it.