Hashing Questions Medium
In TypeScript, the purpose of a hash code is to provide a unique identifier or key for an object. It is a numeric value that is generated by a hash function, which takes the object's properties or content as input and produces a fixed-size output.
The hash code is primarily used in data structures like hash tables or hash maps, where it helps in efficient storage and retrieval of objects. By using the hash code as an index or key, the data structure can quickly locate the object without having to search through the entire collection.
Additionally, hash codes are often used for equality comparisons. When comparing two objects for equality, instead of comparing all their properties or content, the hash codes can be compared first. If the hash codes are different, it implies that the objects are not equal, avoiding the need for further comparison. However, if the hash codes are the same, further checks may be required to ensure the objects are truly equal.
It is important to note that hash codes should ideally be unique for each object, but collisions can occur where different objects produce the same hash code. Therefore, a good hash function should minimize the likelihood of collisions to maintain the efficiency and accuracy of data structures relying on hash codes.