InMemoryStore

Overview

InMemoryStore is a Dart class that provides a fast and efficient in-memory storage mechanism. By leveraging Dart's HashMap, it ensures rapid data retrieval and insertion, making it ideal for temporary storage solutions.

Features

• Blazing-Fast Lookups: Uses HashMap for O(1) average time complexity in insertions, deletions, and lookups.
• Optional Expiration: Supports automatic removal of entries after a specified duration.
• Basic Store Operations: Allows inserting, retrieving, checking existence, removing, and clearing stored entries.
• Iterable Access: Provides access to all stored keys and values.

Usage

Importing the Class

To use InMemoryStore, ensure you have the necessary import:

Creating an Instance

You can create an instance of InMemoryStore with or without an expiration duration.

With Expiration Duration:

final store = InMemoryStore<String, String>.withExpiry(
  expiryDuration: Duration(seconds: 5),
);

In this setup, entries will automatically be removed after 5 seconds.

Without Expiration Duration:

final store = InMemoryStore<String, String>.persistent();

Entries will persist until explicitly removed.

Inserting Data

Use the insert method to add entries efficiently:

store.insert('username', 'JohnDoe');

If an expiration duration is set, the entry will be automatically removed after the specified time.

Retrieving Data

Access stored values using the get method:

String? username = store.get('username');
if (username != null) {
  print('Username: $username');
} else {
  print('Key not found or expired');
}

This operation is lightning-fast due to the underlying HashMap.

Checking for Key Existence

Verify if a key exists in the store:

if (store.containsKey('username')) {
  print('Key exists in store');
} else {
  print('Key does not exist');
}

Removing Entries

Remove a specific entry:

store.remove('username');

Clear all entries:

store.clear();

Accessing All Keys and Values

Retrieve all stored keys and values:

print('Keys: ${store.keys.toList()}');
print('Values: ${store.values.toList()}');

Note: HashMap does not maintain order, so retrieval order may vary.

Why HashMap Makes This Store Incredibly Fast

The InMemoryStore class is built on Dart's HashMap, ensuring:

• Instant Lookups: Average time complexity of O(1) for insertions, deletions, and retrievals.
• Optimized Memory Usage: Efficiently manages data without unnecessary overhead.
• Direct Key-Based Access: Unlike a Map that may require iteration, HashMap allows for near-instant retrieval.
• Dynamic Scaling: Adjusts capacity dynamically for handling varying amounts of data.

Why HashMap is the Best Choice for In-Memory Storage

Using a HashMap is the best approach for in-memory storage because:

• Performance is Priority – Faster than Map because it doesn't rely on iteration.
• Unordered but Quick – Order isn't guaranteed, but speed is maximized.
• Efficient for Large Data Sets – Doesn't slow down with increased entries.

For any scenario where fast and efficient key-value storage is required, InMemoryStore delivers top-tier performance thanks to its HashMap-powered architecture.