Hashing is a method for efficiently storing and retrieving data from databases, particularly relevant for competitive exams like GATE and NET, where questions on this topic are common. It involves using a search key, such as a student role number or passport number, to access records quickly. The search keys are placed in a hash table, which is a data structure resembling an array, allowing for data storage in a systematic manner. The primary advantage of hashing lies in its capability to perform operations like searching, inserting, and deleting in constant time, facilitated by a hash function. This technique is particularly significant for both academic evaluations and practical applications in database management, necessitating a thorough understanding of its concepts and methodologies.