Hashing Questions
The main difference between a hash table and an array is the way they store and retrieve data.
An array is a data structure that stores elements in a contiguous block of memory, where each element is accessed using an index. The index is typically an integer value that represents the position of the element in the array. Arrays provide constant time access to elements, as the index directly maps to the memory location.
On the other hand, a hash table is a data structure that uses a hash function to map keys to an array index, where the corresponding value is stored. The hash function takes the key as input and produces a unique index in the array, which is used to store and retrieve the value associated with that key. Hash tables provide efficient retrieval and insertion of elements, as the hash function allows for direct access to the desired location in the array.
In summary, while both hash tables and arrays store data in a similar manner, the key difference lies in the way they access and retrieve elements. Arrays use index-based access, while hash tables use a hash function to map keys to array indices for efficient retrieval.