Why Should I Use Hash Tables Instead of Linked Lists?

Hash tables are super efficient when it comes to searching for data. You usually only need to check one hash bucket, whereas with a linked list, you'd often have to scan through a lot of items, especially if they're randomly organized. So for tasks where speed is key, hash tables really shine!

It's really about context! There are scenarios where linked lists can be favorable, such as when you need frequent insertions and deletions. But for scenarios where you need quick lookups, hash tables usually outperform with a time complexity of O(1), while linked lists are at O(n).

Hash tables make looking things up way faster, especially if you're dealing with hundreds of items. If you care about efficiency in finding items, they’re definitely the way to go!

Don't forget to check out Big O notation! It’s a great way to understand the performance of these data structures and you'll likely need it for future interviews. Hash tables are pretty crucial in the real world, even though they sometimes don't get the emphasis they deserve in school compared to other structures.

One big reason hash tables are used is their ability to provide random access. In contrast, linked lists require you to go through the elements one by one, which can be really slow. Also, remember that hash tables handle collisions in clever ways, often using arrays of linked lists themselves!