What is one disadvantage of Linear Probing?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating a question about a data structure technique, I start by reviewing what Linear Probing is intended to do and what its typical drawbacks are.
Option a: 'It doesn't work for larger table sizes' This is not an inherent flaw of linear probing; the method can function with large tables, though performance degrades as load factor increases. The issue is not a fundamental incompatibility with size, but rather efficiency at high load factors, making this statement misleading as a blanket disadvantage.
Option b: 'It doesn't work for smaller table sizes' Similarly, linear probing can operate on smaller tables, though the risk of high collision rates is greater when the table is small relative to the number of items. The claim ignores that the problem is primarily about load factors and performance, not an absolute non-functionality on small tables, so this option is not accurate.
Option c: 'It causes Primary Clustering' This is a well-known and accurate drawback of linear probing. When collisions occur, consecutive slots are checked, causing a cluster of occupied cells to form. This clustering increases average probe length and degrades performance, particularly as the load factor grows. It is a core disadvantage that motivates alternative probing strategies such as quadratic probing or double hashing.
Option d: 'You are limited to a step size of 1' In linear probing, the probe step is indeed fixed at 1 (checking the next slot), but describing it as a limitation is more of a characterization of the method rather than a fundamental disadvantage. Some contexts treat fixed stepping as a design choice rather than a flaw, and other probing schemes also have fixed or varying steps. This option states a structural detail but not the central performance drawback.

In summary, the strongest and most characteristic disadvantage among the options is the formation of primary clustering, which directly explains why performance can degrade under load. The other statements either mischaracterize the method’s capabilities or describe nuances that are not universally considered core drawbacks of linear probing.

FIT1008-FIT1054-FIT2085_S2_2025 Week 8 Workshop Quiz

What is one disadvantage of Linear Probing?

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