c# - Multi-dimensional array vs. One-dimensional

Question

This is basically a restatement of this question: Java: Multi-dimensional array vs. One-dimensional but for C#.

I have a set amount of elements that make sense to store as a grid. Should I use a array[x*y] or a array[x][y]?

EDIT: Oh, so there are one dimensional array[x*y], multidimensional array[x,y] and jagged array[x][y], and I probably want jagged?

Answer 1

There are many advantages in C# to using jagged arrays (array[][]). They actually will often outperform multidimensional arrays.

That being said, I would personally use a multidimensional or jagged array instead of a single dimensional array, as this matches the problem space more closely. Using a one dimensional array is adding complexity to your implementation that does not provide real benefits, especially when compared to a 2D array, as internally, it's still a single block of memory.