What is a performance hashtable and how does it work?

What is a performance hashtable and how does it work?

A performance hashtable is a data structure that allows for efficient data retrieval using key-value pairs. It uses a hash function to compute an index into an array of buckets or slots, from which the desired value can be found.

What are the advantages of using a hashtable over other data structures?

Hashtables offer average-case constant time complexity for lookups, insertions, and deletions, making them very efficient for large datasets.

Are there any downsides to using hashtables?

Yes, hashtables can suffer from collisions, where two keys hash to the same index, which can degrade performance. Additionally, they require more memory than some other data structures.

How can I handle collisions in a hashtable?

Collisions can be handled using techniques like chaining, where each bucket contains a list of entries, or open addressing, where you find the next available slot.