Question

3 steps of inserting into hash table ie insert (k, v)

Answer 1

Inserting into a hash table involves computing a hash code, calculating an array index, and resolving any potential collisions. Proper implementation ensures efficient data retrieval.

Step-by-step explanation:

Inserting into a Hash Table

Inserting a key-value pair (k, v) into a hash table typically involves three main steps:

1. Hashing: Calculate the hash code of the key, which essentially converts the key into an integer index. The specific hashing function used can vary, but its purpose is to distribute keys uniformly across the array that forms the backbone of the hash table.
2. Address Calculation: This index is then used to find the correct slot in the array for the key-value pair. If the array size is N, this is often done using the modulo operation, index = hash(k) % N.
3. Collision Resolution: If another key-value pair is already occupying the calculated index, a collision resolution strategy is used. Common strategies include chaining (linking items that hash to the same index), open addressing (finding the next available slot), and double hashing (using a second hash function to calculate the index).

These steps ensure that each key-value pair is placed into the hash table in a manner that makes future retrieval efficient. It's worth noting that the efficiency of a hash table depends on a good hashing function and effective collision resolution.