Dictionary Operation in Constant Time
Using linear probing, dictionary operation can be implemented in constant time. In other words, insert, remove and find operations can be implemented in O(1), as long as the load factor of the hash table is a constant strictly less than one. This analysis makes the (unrealistic) assumption that the hash function is completely random, but can be extended also to 5-independent hash functions. Weaker properties, such as universal hashing, are not strong enough to ensure the constant-time operation of linear probing, but one practical method of hash function generation, tabulation hashing, again leads to a guaranteed constant expected time performance despite not being 5-independent.
Read more about this topic: Linear Probing
Famous quotes containing the words dictionary, operation, constant and/or time:
“The much vaunted male logic isn’t logical, because they display prejudices—against half the human race—that are considered prejudices according to any dictionary definition.”
—Eva Figes (b. 1932)
“It requires a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding. The only idea of wit, or rather that inferior variety of the electric talent which prevails occasionally in the North, and which, under the name of “Wut,” is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”
—Sydney Smith (1771–1845)
“A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.”
—Washington Irving (1783–1859)
“As siblings we were inextricably bound, even though our connections were loose and frayed.... And each time we met, we discovered to our surprise and dismay how quickly the intensity of childhood feelings reappeared.... No matter how old we got or how often we tried to show another face, reality was filtered through yesterday’s memories.”
—Jane Mersky Leder (20th century)