What are hash maps and how do I use them?

What are hash maps and how do I use them in my code?

Hash maps are data structures that store key-value pairs. They allow for fast data retrieval based on keys.

Can you give me an example of how to implement a hash map in Python?

Sure! In Python, you can use a dictionary as a hash map. Here's a simple example:

my_map = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
print(my_map['b'])  # Output: 2

What are the advantages of using hash maps over arrays?

Hash maps provide faster lookups, insertions, and deletions compared to arrays, especially for large datasets.

Are there any downsides to using hash maps?

Yes, hash maps can consume more memory and may have performance issues if many keys hash to the same value (collisions).