Question

I`m not really sure when I should use a dictionary in my applications.

Everytime I code a switch case that returns a single value, for example, should I strive for a dic?

Thanks

Answer 1

A dictionary is useful whenever you have a natural key->value relationship.
This is the case in a language dictionary (key:one word value:List of translations), or for a document index (key:title, value:text body).

If you find yourself coding a switch statement where each case is only responsible for returning a single value you have such a natural key->value relationship and should use a dictionary.