What are the best practices for using sets and arrays in programming?

What are the best practices for using sets and arrays in programming?

When using sets and arrays, it's important to choose the right data structure for your needs. Sets are great for unique items, while arrays are better for ordered collections.

Can you explain when to use a set over an array?

Sure! Use a set when you need to ensure all elements are unique and you don't care about the order. Use an array when you need to maintain the order of elements or allow duplicates.

What are some performance considerations I should keep in mind?

Performance-wise, sets generally offer faster lookups for membership checks compared to arrays. However, arrays can be more efficient for iterating through elements.

Are there any common pitfalls to avoid?

Yes, a common pitfall is using arrays when you only need unique values, which can lead to unnecessary complexity. Also, be cautious of mutating arrays while iterating over them.