How does a hash table store data?

A hash table stores data in a fixed-size array where each element's index is generated using a hash function. The hash function takes a key (such as a string or number), processes it, and produces a unique index that determines where the corresponding value will be stored in the array. This allows for efficient data retrieval because, ideally, you can access an item directly by computing its hash value, rather than searching through all items.

This structure allows for fast insertion, deletion, and retrieval operations, typically in constant time, depending on the quality of the hash function and the load factor (the ratio of stored items to the size of the array). When multiple keys hash to the same index (a situation known as a collision), various strategies such as chaining or open addressing are employed to resolve the issue and ensure that all entries can be managed effectively within the array.