Hashing Questions
The main difference between a hash table and a hash map lies in their implementation.
A hash table is a data structure that uses a hash function to map keys to an array index, allowing for efficient retrieval and storage of key-value pairs. It typically uses an array of linked lists or buckets to handle collisions, where multiple keys map to the same index. This means that a hash table can handle collisions and store multiple values for a single key.
On the other hand, a hash map is a specific implementation of a hash table that is typically found in programming languages or libraries. It provides similar functionality as a hash table, but it may have additional features or optimizations specific to the programming language or library. In some cases, the terms "hash table" and "hash map" are used interchangeably, depending on the context.
In summary, a hash table is a general concept of a data structure that uses a hash function, while a hash map is a specific implementation of a hash table found in programming languages or libraries.