How does the performance of C# dictionaries compare to other collections?

How does the performance of C# dictionaries compare to other collections?

C# dictionaries are highly efficient for lookups, typically offering O(1) time complexity. In contrast, lists have O(n) for lookups.

What factors affect the performance of a C# dictionary?

Factors include the load factor, the quality of the hash function, and the number of collisions. A poor hash function can degrade performance.

Are there scenarios where I should avoid using a dictionary?

Yes, if you need ordered data or frequent insertions and deletions, consider using a List or SortedDictionary instead.

How does resizing affect dictionary performance?

Resizing can be costly as it involves rehashing all existing entries. It's best to initialize the dictionary with an appropriate capacity.