hash table

noun

Meaning

A data structure that maps keys to values for highly efficient retrieval by using a mathematical function to compute an index into an array of buckets.

Examples

  • The software engineer chose a hash table to store the user profiles because it allows for near-instant data lookups.
  • Implementing a custom hash table requires careful selection of a function to minimize collisions between keys.

Synonyms: map, dictionary, associative array