What are the best practices for using hash tables?

What are the best practices for using hash tables?

Some best practices include choosing a good hash function, handling collisions effectively, and resizing the table when necessary.

Can you explain what a good hash function looks like?

A good hash function should distribute keys uniformly across the hash table to minimize collisions and ensure efficient access.

What are some common methods for handling collisions?

Common methods include chaining, where each bucket points to a list of entries, and open addressing, where you find the next available slot.

How do I know when to resize my hash table?

You should consider resizing when the load factor (number of entries divided by the number of buckets) exceeds a certain threshold, typically around 0.7.