An array is a fundamental data structure used in computer science and programming to store a collection of elements of the same data type. Arrays allow elements to be accessed and manipulated using an index or position within the array.
In its simplest form, an array is a contiguous block of memory locations, each holding an individual element. Elements are typically stored sequentially, and each element is identified by its index, which is an integer value representing its position within the array. The index usually starts from 0 for the first element and increments by 1 for each subsequent element.
Arrays have the following characteristics:
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Homogeneity: Arrays typically store elements of the same data type. For example, an array of integers would only store integer values, and an array of strings would only store string values.
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Fixed Size: In many programming languages, arrays have a fixed size, meaning the number of elements they can hold is determined when the array is created and cannot be changed later. However, some languages support dynamic arrays that can resize themselves as needed.
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Indexed Access: Elements in an array are accessed using an index, allowing for efficient retrieval, modification, and manipulation of data.
Arrays are widely used for various purposes in programming, including storing lists of data, representing mathematical vectors and matrices, implementing data structures like stacks and queues, and solving algorithmic problems. They provide a simple and efficient way to organize and work with collections of data in computer programs.
