Arrays are the most basic and widely used data structure. They are used in applications such as matrix calculations, sorting algorithms, CPU scheduling, and building other data structures such as Stacks, Queues, Heaps, and Hash tables. Here is a simplified version of the meaning of an array, and its uses, including its pros and cons.
An array is a linear data structure that stores elements of the same data type, such as an integer or string, in a sequence of memory regions. It is the most basic data structure, since each data element may be retrieved simply by its index number.
An array has a fixed size, meaning that the length of the array is specified when the array is created. It cannot be altered.
There are three types of array indexing i.e. zero-based, one-based and n-based. For a zero-based index, the subscript is 0. For example, an array A with n items is accessed as A[0], A[1], …, A[n-1]. Then, the one-based index subscript is 1. For example, an array A with n items is accessed as A[1], A[2], …, A[n]. The n-based index allows negative index values, and other scalar data types like enumerations or characters may be used as an array index.
There are two main types of arrays, i.e. one-dimensional and multidimensional arrays. In a one-dimensional array, the elements are accessed in sequential order using the subscript array index for example, if A is an array to get the first element you would use A[0]. One dimensional array can be used to implement other data structures such as stacks, queues and heaps.
A multidimensional array is an extended form of a one-dimensional array, for example, 2D arrays and 3D arrays. For example, an Excel table with rows and columns. If B is a two-dimensional array, the first element is B[0][0].
An array’s fundamental operations include traversal, insertion, deletion, search, and updates. The traverse operation displays all the array items in an iterative series. The insertion operation adds a second element to the given index. The delete operation erases the element at the given index. The search operation looks for an element using the given index. The update operation modifies or improves the value of an existing element at the specified index.
The benefits of using arrays include the fact that arrays allow for faster random access to items. Arrays have improved cache locality, which makes a significant impact on speed. Arrays use a single name to represent numerous data elements of the same kind. One of the drawbacks of utilizing arrays is that the array size is fixed. Arrays make it harder to store values of various data kinds.
In a nutshell, this article explained the meaning of an array, the various components of arrays, and its basic operations. It highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of using arrays.