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Java•Java Data Structures

Java Map

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Hash map lookup

Hash the key, jump to a bucket, then compare entries there.

Ada -> bucket 20Cy:21Bo:22Ada:3Dee:33

Ada hashes to bucket 2; lookup only scans entries in that bucket.

Java Map Interface

The Map interface is a part of the Java Collections Framework and is used to store key-value pairs . Each key must be unique, but values can be duplicated.

A Map is useful when you want to associate a key (like a name or ID) with a value (like an age or description).

Common classes that implement Map

  • HashMap - fast and unordered
  • TreeMap - sorted by key
  • LinkedHashMap - ordered by insertion

Tip

Use a Map when you want to associate values with unique keys, like storing user IDs with names.

Common Map Methods

MethodDescription
put()Adds or updates a key-value pair
get()Returns the value for a given key
remove()Removes the key and its value
containsKey()Checks if the map contains the key
keySet()Returns a set of all keys

Map vs. Set vs. List

FeatureListSetMap
Duplicates allowed?YesNoKeys: No Values: Yes
Stores key-value pairs?NoNoYes
Maintains order?YesNo (unless using TreeSet or LinkedHashSet)No (unless using TreeMap or LinkedHashMap)

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Java HashMap