cairo-dictionaries

name	cairo-dictionaries
description	Explain Cairo Felt252Dict usage, insert/get/entry patterns, and dictionary squashing; use when a request involves key-value storage, dictionary performance, or borrow/ownership rules for dictionaries in Cairo.

Cairo Dictionaries

Overview

Guide correct creation and use of Cairo dictionaries with proper ownership and performance notes.

Quick Use

• Read references/dictionaries.md before answering.
• Show minimal snippets using Felt252Dict plus Felt252DictTrait methods.
• Mention squashing and cost implications when discussing performance.

Response Checklist

• Use Felt252Dict::<T>::default() to initialize.
• Use insert and get for basic operations; use entry/finalize for advanced patterns.
• Remind that keys are felt252 and values are generic T.
• Call out that dictionary access is linear in the number of entries and squashing occurs on destruction.

Example Requests

• "How do I store balances by address in Cairo?"
• "Why does get return a default value sometimes?"
• "What is dictionary squashing and when does it happen?"

Cairo by Example

• Dictionaries