Question

Why hash-based indexing is not suitable for range queries?

Answer 1

Hashing is a technique used to locate a single data record in a fast and effecient manner. Since it is used for the mentioned purpose, range queries will not fit into its scope.

The Range queries are finding the matching data within a lower limit and an upper limit. For example, finding all the numbers in a database table column between 10 and 20. This will fetch all the numbers between 10 and 20 available in the specified column. Here the requirement is not to fetch a data record directly and also the number of results retrieved will vary.

So hashing is not suitable or will not be effecient for range queries.