Array is a data structure found in computing that arranges data elements in a predetermined and linear way. It is useful for storing, organizing, and manipulating collections of items. Arrays are used in almost all computer programming languages to store, sort, and manipulate data.
An array consists of a finite number of memory locations that are referred to by a single name. Each of these memory locations contains a element, either a single value or a reference to another data type such as an array. As such, an array can be made up of any combination of data types.
Each memory address of the array is referred to as an element. Each element in an array must be of the same data type and the array itself is referenced by a single name. The most commonly used array structure stores elements as individual objects. When arrays are used to store data, the array size must be predetermined.
Arrays also provide a convenient way to manipulate data. Common array operations include Sorting, Searching, Inserting, Deleting, and Merging. These operations provide a way to efficiently manipulate data within the array.
In addition to storing and manipulating data, arrays are also widely used for indexing, such as for table lookups and providing access to a specific element. For example, if an array is set up to store a month’s worth of temperatures, then each day’s temperature can be referenced by its date index.
Arrays provide an efficient structure for storing, organizing, and manipulating data in computing. By providing a way to store, search, and modify elements, they are an essential part of computer programming.
