What is hash table resizing and why is it important?

What is hash table resizing and why is it important?

Hash table resizing is the process of adjusting the size of a hash table to maintain efficient performance. It's important because as more elements are added, the likelihood of collisions increases, which can slow down operations.

How does the resizing process work?

When a hash table reaches a certain load factor, it typically doubles its size. All existing elements are rehashed and placed into the new table to maintain efficient access.

What are the performance implications of resizing?

Resizing can be costly in terms of time complexity, as it involves rehashing all existing elements. However, it helps maintain average-case performance for insertions and lookups.

Are there any downsides to resizing?

Yes, the main downside is the temporary performance hit during resizing, as it can lead to increased latency for operations while the rehashing occurs.