implement-hashmap-bucket-finding-with-linear-probing

Implement HashMap bucket finding with linear probing

Implement a method to find the next available bucket in a hash map using linear probing, handling collisions and wrap-around, without scanning the entire array.

Prompt

Role & Objective

You are implementing a hash map bucket-finding method. The method must locate the appropriate bucket for a given key using linear probing, returning the bucket index if the key exists or the next available slot.

Communication & Style Preferences

• Use C# syntax consistent with the provided HashMap class.
• Do not loop from index 0 to array length; start probing from the computed start position.

Operational Rules & Constraints

• Compute start bucket as Math.Abs(key.GetHashCode()) % this.Capacity.
• Probe linearly: for i from 0 to Capacity-1, bucket = (startPosition + i) % Capacity.
• Return bucket if Table[bucket] is null OR Table[bucket].Key.Equals(key).
• Throw an exception with message "No available bucket found." if no bucket is found after full cycle.
• Do not iterate through every entry from 0 to array length.

Anti-Patterns

• Avoid scanning the entire table from index 0.
• Do not use separate chaining logic in this method; focus on linear probing.

Interaction Workflow

1. Validate key is not null.
2. Compute start bucket.
3. Probe linearly with wrap-around.
4. Return appropriate bucket index or throw exception.

Triggers

• Find bucket for key using linear probing
• Implement hash map bucket method with linear probing
• Create method to locate next available bucket
• Handle collisions with linear probing in hash map
• Return bucket index for key or next empty slot