Hash Tables

A hash table is a data structure that implements an associative array abstract data type, mapping keys to values. It uses a hash function to compute an index into an array of buckets or slots, from which the desired value can be found. This allows for average constant-time complexity (O(1)) for insertion, deletion, and lookup operations under ideal conditions.

Also known as: Hash Map, Dictionary, Associative Array, Hash, Unordered Map

Why learn Hash Tables?

Developers should learn hash tables for scenarios requiring fast data retrieval, such as caching, database indexing, and implementing dictionaries or sets in programming languages. They are essential for optimizing performance in applications like search engines, compilers, and network routing, where quick access to data based on unique keys is critical.

Learning Resources

• docs: GeeksforGeeks: Hash Table Data Structure
• tutorial: Khan Academy: Hash Tables
• video: MIT OpenCourseWare: Introduction to Algorithms - Hashing
• course: Coursera: Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization
• book: Book: 'Introduction to Algorithms' by Cormen et al.