Guide to Reality for Neverland Big-O-Fans

Humor

Neverland:	Complexity does not depend on coefficient. N=2N.
Reality:	Performance depends on both complexity and coefficient. N=N, 2N=2N.
What to Do:	Next time you see the clock cursor, progress bar, or anything else that indicates continuous operation, start to say loud: "N=2N. N=3N. N=4N..." etc. When you reach 20N, start from the beginning. Eventually you will grok it.

Neverland:	Hash has constant insertion and access times.
Reality:	Hash insertion and access times depend on hash implementation, used hash function and hash key distribution. Perfect hash function is possible only for predefined set of keys. Google for "collision resolution".
What to Do:	Start practicing two mantras: "Hash Function" and "Perfect Hash Function". Meditate twice a day using each for at least 15 minutes. Meditation should be practiced in a calm office surrounding, phone and e-mail distractions should be avoided. The best times to meditate are 30 minutes before and after any interview (either given or taken). Continue until complete healing.