title: The standard map/associative-array structure to use in flash actionscript 3?
body: <p>I'm relatively new to flash, and is confused about what I should use to store and retrieve key value pairs. After some googling I've found various map-like things to choose from:</p>
  
  <p>1) Use a Object:</p>
  
  <pre><code>var map:Object = new Object();
  map["key"] = "value";
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>The problem is that it seems to lack some very basic features. For example to even get the size of map I'd have to write a util method.</p>
  
  <p>2) Use a Dictionary</p>
  
  <p>What does this standard library class provide over the simple object? It seems silly for it to exist if it's functionally identical to Object.</p>
  
  <p>3) Go download some custom HashMap/HashTable implementation from the web.</p>
  
  <p>I've used a lot of modern languages, and this is the first time I haven't been able to find a library implementation of an associative array within 5 minutes. So I'd like to get some best-practice advice from an experienced flash developer.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>