Hash tables are a data structure that implements an associative array, a structure that can map keys to values using a hash function to compute an index into an array of buckets or slots. This allows for efficient data retrieval and insertion, making hash tables a popular choice for applications where fast access to data is required. They leverage the concept of hashing, which transforms keys into a unique index, enabling average-case constant time complexity for operations like insertions, deletions, and lookups.
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