What's the difference between a hashtable and a binary tree?

What's the difference between a hashtable and a binary tree?

A hashtable is a data structure that uses key-value pairs for fast data retrieval, while a binary tree is a hierarchical structure with nodes.

When should I use a hashtable instead of a binary tree?

Use a hashtable when you need fast lookups, insertions, and deletions. A binary tree is better for sorted data and range queries.

Can you give me an example of when a binary tree is more beneficial?

Sure! A binary search tree allows for efficient in-order traversal, which is useful for retrieving sorted data.

Are there any downsides to using hashtables?

Yes, hashtables can have collisions, which may slow down performance, and they require more memory compared to binary trees.