[Tutor] which of these is more efficient?

[nathan tech]

Hi there,

So I am running over some coding ideas in my head for creating a map for 
a game.

This map would expand based on how far the user explores.

I figure there are two ways to do this:

1: the list method:

map=[]

for x in range(3):

  temp=[]

  for y in range(3):

   temp.append(default_grid_format)

  map.append(temp)


then when ever the user explores a square not on the current map, it 
would do this:

for x in range(len(map)):

  map[x].append(default_grid_format)

temp=[]

for x in range(len(map[0])):

  temp.append(default_grid_format)

map.append(temp)

Obviously, though, this creates a lot of data for squares that are still 
ultimately unexplored.

So here was my other idea:


2. the dictionary method:

map={}

for x in range(3):

  for y in range(3):

   key=str(x)+":"+str(y)

   map[key]=default_grid_format


Then when user explores new square do:

key=str(player_x)+":"+str(player_y)

map[key]=default_grid_format


Is this an efficient method compared to 1?

Is it, code wise, sound logic?



I guess I'm just looking for a second opinion from experienced peoples.

thanks everyone.

Nathan