Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A hash code is a unique numerical value that is generated by a hashing algorithm and is used to represent an object. It is commonly used in data structures such as hash tables.
Related terms
Hashing Algorithm: A hashing algorithm is a mathematical function that takes an input (such as an object) and produces a fixed-size string of characters, which represents the input data.
A data structure refers to the way data is organized and stored in computer memory. It provides efficient access and manipulation of the stored information.
Hash Table: A hash table is a data structure that uses keys and their corresponding values to store and retrieve information quickly. It uses the concept of hashing to determine the storage location for each key-value pair.