Which of the following statements about hash tables is false?a)Hash ta...
Hash tables can dynamically resize to accommodate more elements as needed.
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Which of the following statements about hash tables is false?a)Hash ta...
Understanding Hash Tables
Hash tables are a fundamental data structure used to store key-value pairs, allowing for efficient data retrieval. Let’s examine the statements and clarify why option 'B' is false.
Constant-Time Average-Case Lookup
- Hash tables provide constant-time average-case lookup, meaning that accessing a value based on its key is typically done in O(1) time, making them very efficient.
Fixed Size Once Created
- This statement is false.
- While some implementations of hash tables have a predetermined size, many modern hash tables are dynamic.
- They can resize (expand or shrink) themselves when a certain load factor threshold is reached, allowing for efficient memory use and maintaining performance.
Hash Collisions
- Hash collisions can occur when different keys produce the same hash value.
- This is a common scenario in hash tables, and various techniques (like chaining or open addressing) are used to handle them effectively.
Storing Duplicate Keys
- Hash tables typically do not allow duplicate keys.
- If a new key-value pair is inserted with a key that already exists, it usually updates the existing value rather than creating a duplicate.
Conclusion
In summary, statement 'B' is false because hash tables can be dynamic in size, allowing for growth and adaptability based on usage, contrary to the notion of having a fixed size. Understanding these characteristics is essential for effectively utilizing hash tables in software development.