What are the advantages of using a hash map over a dictionary?

What are the advantages of using a hash map over a dictionary?

Hash maps generally offer faster lookups and insertions due to their underlying implementation using hash functions.

Can you explain how hash maps achieve faster performance?

Sure! Hash maps use a hash function to compute an index where the value is stored, allowing for average O(1) time complexity.

Are there any situations where a dictionary might be better than a hash map?

Yes, dictionaries can be more memory efficient and may maintain order, which can be beneficial in certain applications.

What about thread safety? How do they compare?

Dictionaries are often designed to be thread-safe, while hash maps may require additional synchronization for concurrent access.