Using a dictionary when the Key and the Value are the same?

Question

I want to hold about 30 strings in a static "collection". I then need to check the path of an incoming web request against this list.

I was thinking of using a StringDictionary with the Key and the Value having the the same values. However it just seems odd when all I really want is a key look up, so I can check for existence rather than look up a value to use.

Am I worrying about nothing?

Pat

Answer 1

What language are you using?

.NET supports Hashset<>, which fits what you're describing.

Answer 2

If you just need a key lookup to check for existence, use a Set instead.