Scribd
Upload
5 views2 pages

An Array

An array is a collection of items stored at contiguous memory locations, allowing for the storage of multiple values of the same type. Key characteristics include fixed size, indexed access, and homogeneous data. Arrays are efficient for data management but have limitations such as fixed size and the requirement for uniform data types.

Uploaded by

jaishah0623
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views2 pages

An Array

An array is a collection of items stored at contiguous memory locations, allowing for the storage of multiple values of the same type. Key characteristics include fixed size, indexed access, and homogeneous data. Arrays are efficient for data management but have limitations such as fixed size and the requirement for uniform data types.

Uploaded by

jaishah0623
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

1

AN ARRAY
An array is a collection of items stored at similar(contiguous) memory locations. It allows you
to store multiple values of the same type in a single data structure, making it easier to manage
and manipulate data.

An array is a special variable, which can hold more than one value:

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand arrays:

1. Characteristics of an Array:

 Fixed Size: The size of the array is defined at creation and cannot be changed.
 Indexed Access: Each element in the array is associated with an index, starting from 0.
 Homogeneous Data: All elements in the array must be of the same data type (e.g.,
integers, strings, etc.).

2. How Arrays Work:

Imagine a row of boxes, each box storing a value:

Array: [10, 20, 30, 40]


Index: 0 1 2 3

To access or modify elements, you use the index:

 Accessing: array[1] gives 20.


 Modifying: array[2] = 50 changes the array to [10, 20, 50, 40].

3. Real-World Example:

Think of an array as a bookshelf where:

 Each shelf is a slot (index) in the array.


 You can store one book (value) in each slot.

4. Basic Operations:

OLWANDE ERICK +254729207653 1


2

- Declaration (Creating an Array):

In different languages, the syntax varies:

Python:

numbers = [10, 20, 30, 40] # List used as an array

Java:

int[] numbers = {10, 20, 30, 40};

C++:

int numbers[] = {10, 20, 30, 40};

- Accessing Elements:

print(numbers[1]) # Output: 20

- Updating Elements:

numbers[2] = 50 # Array becomes [10, 20, 50, 40]

5. Advantages of Arrays:

 Efficient access: Fast random access using an index.


 Easy data management: You can group related values together.

6. Limitations of Arrays:

 Fixed size: You can’t add or remove elements dynamically (use other structures like lists
in Python or Array Lists in Java for flexibility).
 Homogeneous data: All elements must be of the same type.

7. Example Use Cases:

 Storing grades of students.


 Tracking the inventory of items in a shop.
 Managing frames in a game.

OLWANDE ERICK +254729207653 2

You might also like