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klaus schmitt
1,238 PointsWhy do arrays not return optional values?
in this video it is explained, that while trying to access a value from the dictionary with a specific key, it is not certain that this key is indeed part of the dictionary's keys.
in the video before, we learned how to access an item from an array at a specific index. the todo-index had some 5 to 7 items. when trying to access an item at index 100, though, the index also does not hold a value. therefore, at least for my understanding, the danger of trying to access a value, that doesn't exist is not less present for an array, than it is for a dictionary. Nonetheless dictionaries return optionals, arrays don't. why?
3 Answers
krilnon
1,458 PointsArrays have a count property which you can use to determine whether or not you are going to access an index which does not hold a value. If yourAttemptedIndex < array.count, then you know accessing that index is safe. Dictionaries don't generally have a specified order, so you don't usually know ahead of time whether or not the key you use will be in the Dictionary.
When you aren't explicit with your type annotations, Swift makes the choice to infer non-optional values for your array. You can come close to Dictionary behavior in an Array by being explicit:
var arr:[Int?] = [1, nil, 3]
arr[2] // {{Some 3}}
It will still result in a runtime error if you access beyond the count of the Array, however.
Max Hirsh
16,773 PointsUh, don't think there's a policy. I did the same thing myself earlier XD. If you cut and paste your answer into the aswers section, I'll upvote you!
Max Hirsh
16,773 PointsI think krilnon has the answer to this question.
krilnon
1,458 PointsOops, I accidentally put my answer in the comment section.
Is the policy here to leave it there, or remove it then copy down into the answer section? I'm new.