Copy from one dictionary object into another

[markronz]

Hello,
Hopefully this will be a simple question, but does anyone know how to copy one dictionary into another? I tried this code, but it doesn't work:

Dim dictionary1
Set dictionary1 = CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")

Dim dictionary2
Set dictionary2 = CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")

dictionary2.Add("1","Test")

Set dictionary1 = dictionary2

Anyone have any idea?

Thanks!
-Mark

 

[fumei]

how to copy one dictionary into another

Could you expand on that? What exactly do you mean?

faq219-2884

Gerry
My paintings and sculpture

 

[markronz]

Sure, I just mean to make an exact copy of it.
I want to put a bunch of stuff into one dictionary object. Then I want to create a copy of that dictionary object, sort of as a backup, so that I can play with the contents of the original dictionary without any fear.

 

[Bong]

a=dictionary1.items
b=dictionary1.keys
for i=0 to ubound(a)
  dictionary2.add a(i), b(i)
next

may be the only way

_________________
Bob Rashkin

 

[markronz]

Well it works!
Thanks!

 

[fumei]

I think that is the only way, as it is not really making a copy, it is creating a new dictionary with the same items.

If you SET one dictionary to another then they are equal. So any changes to the first will also be changed in the second.

faq219-2884

Gerry
My paintings and sculpture

 

[WinblowsME]

If you populate both dictionaries at the same time, you'll have a copy of the dictionary.

Sub Populate_Dictionary()
   Dim i As Integer
   Dim dictionary1, dictionary2
   
   Set dictionary1 = CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")
   Set dictionary2 = CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")

   For i = 1 To 10
      dictionary1.Add i, i
      [COLOR=red]dictionary2.Add i, i[/color]
   Next i

   Debug.Print dictionary1.Item(5)
   Debug.Print dictionary2.Item(5)
End Sub

 

[fumei]

That would also do it. The point being is you need to make two distinct objects. Again, using SET for one object to another object completely ties them together.

Set dictionary1 = dictionary2

means dictionary1 EQUALS dictionary2. So if you make changes to dictionary2....dictionary1 still means dictionary2. So, it will have the same changes.

Either make them independently but at the same time, and with the same information (WinblowsME), or create the second with the items of the first (Bong), before you make changes.

Excellent alternatives given.

faq219-2884

Gerry
My paintings and sculpture