Similar way adding 2d array in Objective-C

Question

I want to add data into my array similar way as this C++ code.

String a[3][4] = {  
    {"Burger", "6", "b", "u"} ,   /*  initializers for row indexed by 0 */
    {"Pizza", "5", "p", "z"} ,   /*  initializers for row indexed by 1 */
    {"Kebab", "4", "k", "b"}   /*  initializers for row indexed by 2 */
};

In objective-C, my attempt.

NSString *a[10][20] = {
    {@"Burger", @"6", @"b", @"u"} ,   /*  initializers for row indexed by 0 */
    {@"Pizza", @"5", @"p", @"z"} ,   /*  initializers for row indexed by 1 */
    {@"Kebab", @"4", @"k", @"b"}   /*  initializers for row indexed by 2 */
};

I am not sure if above example works, I will test it once I access to a MAC.

My question is:

What is the right way of doing it, perhaps the best way.

And will my Objective-C code work?

I apologize for asking this question without testing it due to no-access to a MAC.

So you posted a question without actually trying it first? Why? — rmaddy
– rmaddy, Commented Apr 27, 2014 at 17:44
I already stated that I don't have access to Xcode at the moment. And I need to hardcode huge amount of data right now.. — Alice
– Alice, Commented Apr 27, 2014 at 17:46
How much data? It may be better to put the data in a plist file or a database. Hardcoding so many string literals into the code isn't the best option. And you might also wish to use an array of dictionaries. It will make your data a lot more flexible. — rmaddy
– rmaddy, Commented Apr 27, 2014 at 17:49
@rmaddy About 100 rows, that will NEVER be changed. Each row will have different amount of columns, so I don't think database will be a good option. But I will surely check out plist and array of dictionary which I assume is NSmutableDictionary? — Alice
– Alice, Commented Apr 27, 2014 at 18:09

carl_h · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-27 17:46:12Z

2

In Objective-C you want to declare a like this:

NSArray *a = @[
    @[@"Burger", @"6", @"b",@"u"] ,   /*  initializers for row indexed by 0 */
    @[@"Pizza", @"5", @"p", @"z" ] ,   /*  initializers for row indexed by 1 */
    @[@"Kebab", @"4", @"k", @"b"]   /*  initializers for row indexed by 2 */
];

Then you can index into a to get each array like this:

NSArray *firstArray = a[0];

answered Apr 27, 2014 at 17:46

carl_h

2,1831 gold badge15 silver badges19 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

9 Comments

Alice Over a year ago

This will be very inconvenient when I have 30+ rows. Is there a easier way where I can access it like [][]? Thanks for the help.

rmaddy Over a year ago

@Alice Why do you think this syntax is very inconvenient compares to the C-array syntax?

carl_h Over a year ago

@Alice If I follow your question, then yep you can say NSString *p = a[1][2];

Alice Over a year ago

@rmaddy Let's say I want to pick a random word from my Array. with [][] I can go: randomWord = arc4random() % 30; assuming I have 30 rows, this will pick one random row for me. With what @carl suggested I have no idea how to do that. That would be more like picking a random Array instead of a random index.

rmaddy Over a year ago

@Alice Actually there is no difference. In both cases you need to pass two indexes. The 1st gives the row and the 2nd gives the element in that row.

|

lucianomarisi · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-27 17:43:27Z

1

Using Objective-Cs literal syntax for an array with 3 arrays containing NSStrings:

NSArray *a = @[
               @[@"Burger", @"6", @"b", @"u"],
               @[@"Pizza", @"5", @"p", @"z"],
               @[@"Kebab", @"4", @"k", @"b"]
              ];

answered Apr 27, 2014 at 17:43

lucianomarisi

1,55212 silver badges24 bronze badges

3 Comments

rmaddy Over a year ago

This creates NSArray with NSArray. That's not the same as creating a C-array.

lucianomarisi Over a year ago

True, though it may serve the purpose to the person asking the question as the question says similar to a C-array.

rmaddy Over a year ago

The question is similar to a C++ C-array. Objective-C is a superset of C so it also supports C-arrays.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Similar way adding 2d array in Objective-C

2 Answers 2

9 Comments

3 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

9 Comments

3 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related