What is a Concurrent Hash Map?

What is a concurrent hash map?

A concurrent hash map is a thread-safe data structure that allows concurrent access and modification by multiple threads.

How does it differ from a regular hash map?

Unlike a regular hash map, a concurrent hash map allows multiple threads to read and write without locking the entire map, improving performance.

Can you give me an example of when to use it?

You would use a concurrent hash map in a multi-threaded application where you need to share data among threads without performance bottlenecks.

Are there any downsides to using a concurrent hash map?

Yes, while it improves concurrency, it may have slightly higher overhead compared to a regular hash map due to its internal locking mechanisms.