Rust: Collections

In Rust, collections are data structures that can hold multiple values. They are essential for storing and manipulating data efficiently. Let's explore some of the collections available in Rust.

Arrays

Arrays in Rust are fixed-size sequences of elements of the same type. Here's an example:

fn main() {
    let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
    println!("{:?}", numbers);
}

Output:

[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Vectors

Vectors are dynamically sized arrays in Rust. They can grow or shrink as needed. Here's an example:

fn main() {
    let mut numbers = vec![1, 2, 3];
    numbers.push(4);
    println!("{:?}", numbers);
}

Output:

[1, 2, 3, 4]

HashMaps

HashMaps are key-value pairs in Rust. They allow you to associate a key with a value. Here's an example:

use std::collections::HashMap;

fn main() {
    let mut contacts = HashMap::new();
    contacts.insert("Alice", "123456");
    contacts.insert("Bob", "987654");
    println!("{:?}", contacts);
}

Output:

{"Alice": "123456", "Bob": "987654"}

Common Use Cases

Collections are commonly used in Rust for data processing, data storage, and algorithm implementation. They are versatile and efficient, making them ideal for various applications.

Importance in Interviews

Understanding collections in Rust is crucial for technical interviews. Interviewers often test candidates' knowledge of data structures and their implementation in different programming languages.

Conclusion

Rust collections are powerful tools for managing data in your programs. By mastering arrays, vectors, and HashMaps, you can write efficient and reliable code. Practice using these collections in your projects to become proficient in Rust programming.