Chapter 16: Problem 21

\(\mathrm{A}(\mathrm{n})\) _____________ container uses keys to rapidly access elements.

Short Answer

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Answer: The main steps in implementing an associative array for rapid access to elements using keys are: 1. Understand associative arrays (maps, dictionaries, or hash tables). 2. Create an empty associative array. 3. Assign values to keys. 4. Access values using keys. 5. Modify values using keys. 6. Remove values and keys.

Step by step solution

Understand associative arrays (maps, dictionaries, or hash tables)

Associative arrays are data structures that use keys to map to specific values, allowing for quick access and retrieval of these values. The keys are unique, and each key can be associated with only one value. This data structure is perfect for situations where you need to store and access values based on some form of identifier or label.

Create an empty associative array

To begin implementing \(\mathrm{A}(\mathrm{n})\), you can start by creating an empty associative array or dictionary. In many programming languages, this can be done using curly braces {} or by using the language's specific constructor for dictionaries (e.g. "dict()" in Python or "new Map()" in JavaScript).

Assign values to keys

Once an empty associative array has been created, you can start assigning values to keys. In most programming languages, this can be done using square brackets to indicate the key and an equals sign to assign the value. Here's an example: ``` A['key1'] = 1 A['key2'] = 2 ``` The keys can usually be any data type, such as strings, numbers, or objects, as long as they are unique within the associative array.

Access values using keys

To access the value associated with a specific key, you can use the square brackets notation again. Here's an example of how to access the value associated with 'key1': ``` value = A['key1'] # This will give you 1 ```

Modify values using keys

If you need to update or modify the value associated with a specific key, you can do so using the same square brackets notation and assignment. Here's an example of changing the value for 'key1': ``` A['key1'] = 3 # Now the value associated with 'key1' is 3 ```

Remove values and keys

If you need to remove a key-value pair from the associative array, many programming languages provide a specific method (e.g. "del" in Python or "delete" in JavaScript). Here's an example of removing the key 'key2' and its associated value: ``` del A['key2'] # This will remove the key 'key2' and its associated value from the associative array ``` Following these steps, you can implement and use an associative array called \(\mathrm{A}(\mathrm{n})\) that uses keys for rapid access to elements.

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\(\mathrm{A}(\mathrm{n})\) _____________ container uses keys to rapidly access elements.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand associative arrays (maps, dictionaries, or hash tables)

Create an empty associative array

Assign values to keys

Access values using keys

Modify values using keys

Remove values and keys

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