Hashing vs Binary Search: Which is Better?

Can you explain the difference between hashing and binary search?

Sure! Hashing is a technique used to map data of arbitrary size to fixed-size values, while binary search is an algorithm for finding an item in a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.

When would I use hashing instead of binary search?

You'd use hashing when you need fast data retrieval, like in a hash table, while binary search is ideal for searching in sorted data.

What are the time complexities of both methods?

Hashing typically has an average time complexity of O(1) for lookups, while binary search has a time complexity of O(log n).

Are there any downsides to using hashing?

Yes, hashing can lead to collisions, where different inputs produce the same hash value, and it requires extra memory for the hash table.