What is hashing in computer science?
What Is Hashing in Computer Science? (With Real-World Examples) In the vast world of computer science, "hashing" plays a vital role in making data storage and retrieval lightning fast. From storing passwords securely to finding elements in large databases, hashing is everywhere. But what exactly is it? Let’s break it down in simple terms with real-world examples. Hashing is the process of converting data (like a name or a number) into a fixed-size string of characters, usually called a hash code or hash value. This is done using a special function called a hash function. How Does Hashing Work? Imagine you have a list of 1,000 names. You want to quickly find "Alice" without scanning the entire list. Instead of searching line by line, you: 1. Pass "Alice" through a **hash function** 2. It gives a number, say **127** 3. You go directly to **position 127** in your data storage to retrieve "Alice" Fast. Efficient. Zero scanning. Real-World Examples...