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Which is faster to find an item in a hashtable or in a sorted list?
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The hash sort asymptotically outperforms the fastest traditional sorting algorithm, the quick sort. The hash sort algorithm has a linear time complexity factor -- even in the worst case. The hash sort opens an area for further work and investigation into alternative means of sorting.
It is fastest join operation in case of sorted tables. This is because it uses merge phase and sort phase, where, if sort is already previously done, then merge is fastest operation.
Searching over a data structure such as an array presents a linear time complexity of O(n). In other words, as the data structure increases in size, the search time increases in a linear fashion. Simply put, using a hash table is faster than searching through an array.
HashTable is a Collection of Key Value Pair. Each object in the HashTable is defined by a Key and Value. Generally the ArrayList is quicker than the HashTable to insert elements in some cases. But when you have to lookup for an element the HashTable (using the key to search) is faster than the ArrayList.
Algorithm complexity is a good thing to know, and hashtables are known to be O(1) while a sorted vector (in your case I guess it is better to use a sorted array than a list) will provide O(log n) access time.
But you should know that complexity notation gives you the access time for N going to the infinite. That means that if you know that your data will keep growing, complexity notation gives you some hint on the algorithm to chose.
When you know that your data will keep a rather low length: for instance having only a few entries in your array/hashtable, you must go with your watch and measure. So have a test.
For instance, in another problem: sorting an array. For a few entries bubble sort while O(N^2) may be quicker than .. the quick sort, while it is O(n log n).
Also, accordingly to other answers, and depending on your item, you must try to find the best hash function for your hashtable instance. Otherwise it may lead to dramatic bad performance for lookup in your hashtable (as pointed out in Hank Gay's answer).
Edit: Have a look to this article to understand the meaning of Big O notation .
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