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

A hash table is best described as an associative array, which allows for efficient data retrieval using key-value pairs. In a hash table, data is accessed by a computed hash of the key, which determines an index where the corresponding value is stored. This structure enables average-case constant time complexity, O(1), for search, insert, and delete operations, making it highly efficient for scenarios where quick lookups are necessary.

The association between keys and values is fundamental to the functionality of a hash table, where each key can map uniquely to a value. This contrasts with other data structures, such as linear structures (like arrays and linked lists) where elements are accessed by their position rather than a key, or tree-based structures where data is organized hierarchically and accessed through traversal methods. Non-linear structures encompass a broader category of data organization that includes not only trees but also graphs, which do not adhere to the key-value pairing system of hash tables.