These are pre-computed tables storing prime numbers or related information, optimized for rapid access during computations. For example, a lookup array containing all prime numbers below a certain limit enables efficient primality testing or prime factorization without needing to execute complex algorithms repeatedly.
The strategic employment of such data structures significantly enhances the performance of number-theoretic algorithms. This approach trades off memory consumption for faster processing speeds, a valuable optimization in resource-intensive applications. Historically, generating and storing this type of data has been crucial in cryptography and other domains where identifying prime numbers is fundamental.
Given their role in optimization, subsequent sections will delve into specific techniques for generating, storing, and utilizing pre-computed prime number data. Furthermore, the applicability of this approach across various computational problems will be thoroughly examined.
