Pure functions as a replacement of constant mappings?

Question

I need to create a lookup table [uint -> uint] that is constant.

Constant mappings or switch-case are not available in solidity. Are pure functions full of if-else the only option?

Any better suggestion?

Update Ideally, I would like an option that minimizes gas utilization

Answer 1

I don't see a dilemma.

You can have a mapping:

mapping(uint => uint) public myMap;

You can populate some locations in the constructor or elsewhere:

constructor() public {
  myMap[1] = 101;
  myMap[2] = 201;
}

That gives you a simple view function (myMap(uint) public view returns(uint)) that returns the number stored at an index.

You can also make view functions full of if/else if that's the best approach for your use-case.

Elaborate on the question with some hints about what you want to accomplish and possibly more specific guidance will be possible.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

The else-if function is by far less efficient that mapping in case of sparse data if there are not special criteria for searching.

If, on the contrary, you fill all the holes in the range of interest, a simple array is the best solution.