How can I create a hashmap in a linux shell?

Question

Possible duplicate:
How to define hash tables in bash?

I want to create a hash map in a linux shell script that associates string keys with string values. Is there an easy way to do this?

Answer 1

I think you referred to this question: How to define hash tables in Bash? that is useful .:-)

Answer 2

The environment itself is a hash map that associates string keys with string values.

myvar1=myvalue1
myvar2=myvalue2

and etc.

Or do you need something else?