The hash table data structure
The hash table data structure, also known as hash map, is a hash implementation of the dictionary or map data structures. A hash table is also a collection of key-value pairs. The key is a unique identifier, and the value is the data you want to associate with that key. Hash tables achieve their speed by using a hash function.
This is how hash tables work:
- Hash Function: a hash function takes a key as input and produces a unique numerical value called a hash code (or hash value). This hash code is like a fingerprint of the key.
- Storage (buckets/slots): the hash table internally consists of an array (or similar structure like a linked list) with fixed-size buckets or slots. Each bucket can store one or more key-value pairs.
- Insertion: when you insert a key-value pair:
- The hash function is applied to the key to get its hash code.
- The hash code is used to determine the index (bucket) where the key-value pair should be stored.
- The pair is placed in that bucket...
