Hash Table Collisions Screensaver
The Hash Table Collisions screensaver inserts real random keys into a live hash table, showing them hash into buckets and chain when real collisions occur. It is free, runs in your browser, and ESC exits.
How the Hash Table Collisions screensaver works
The saver generates a real random key, runs it through a real hash function, and drops it into the resulting bucket.
When two keys genuinely hash to the same bucket, the real table chains them together in a small list rather than overwriting either one.
A live load-factor readout tracks the real ratio of stored keys to buckets, exactly the number that governs real hash table performance.
Once the table fills to a set load factor, it holds briefly, then clears and a fresh hash table begins filling from empty.
A worked example
Two unrelated random keys land in the same bucket purely by chance, and the real table visibly chains the second one behind the first rather than losing either key.
Settings & tips
- Accent recolours the bucket currently receiving a key.
- This is a real hash function and real separate-chaining collision handling.
- The table clears and refills automatically once it reaches full load.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this a real hash table?
- Yes — a real hash function and real separate-chaining collision resolution, exactly as used in real hash map implementations.
- Why do collisions happen?
- With real random keys and a finite number of buckets, two different keys genuinely land in the same bucket now and then — this is expected, not a bug.
- Is a key needed?
- No — it is a pure local computation.
- Is it free?
- Yes — free, no download, in your browser.