Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> the same input always gives the same hash value, so you can retrieve your item just fine

You’ll retrieve a bunch of items that hash to the same value, so not exactly. You can retrieve the set of items that have the same hash as your item just fine - which is not exactly the same.

> A hash _map_ is not a hash _function_.

This is more or less what I was getting at. I know hash functions aren’t bijective, but hashmaps are often used as if they are. I guess I’m not sure if LSHs refer to a family of functions or hashmaps, and I guess the word hashes often implies functions - my bad.



Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: