Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2100 C949 Data Structures and Algorithms I Practice Exam

A hash function computes a unique index or position within a data structure like a hash table, which is known as the bucket index. This process involves taking an item's identifier (such as a string or a number) and applying a mathematical algorithm to transform it into an integer value that corresponds to a specific location (or "bucket") in the table.

The primary purpose of this computation is to allow for efficient data retrieval and storage. By determining the bucket index, the hash function enables quick access to the data associated with that identifier, as it reduces the need for searching through the entire dataset. The effectiveness of a hash function lies in its ability to minimize collisions, where two identifiers generate the same index, thereby maintaining efficient operations on the hash table.

In contrast, other terms like values, keys, and hash codes are associated with different aspects of data structures. While a hash code can be part of the process, it specifically refers to the computed number from the hash function before it's mapped to a bucket index. The key may represent the identifier itself, but it does not describe the result of the hash function's operation in terms of locating data. Thus, the most accurate representation of what a hash function computes in the context of item identifiers is indeed the bucket