Let’s break down the anatomy of an array:
- Elements: Arrays store elements of the same data type, such as integers, characters, or objects. The elements are the values that the array holds. Each element has a unique index that determines its position within the array.
- Index: The index is an integer value that represents the position of an element in the array. It starts at 0 for the first element, 1 for the second element, and so on. The index allows you to access and modify individual elements in the array.
- Size or Length: The size or length of an array is the total number of elements it can hold. This is determined at the time of array creation and is fixed for most traditional arrays. The size is often denoted by n, and the valid indices range from 0 to n-1.
- Contiguous Memory Allocation: Imagine the boxes are lined up one after another in a row. This arrangement makes it easy to find a specific box quickly because they're next to each other in memory.
- Declaration: When we create an array, it's like telling the computer, "Hey, I want a lineup of boxes, and each box can hold this type of information. I want this many boxes in total."
In short, An array is like a row of labelled containers, each holding a piece of information (element). Each container has a unique number (index) for easy access. The total number of containers is the array's size, and they are stored next to each other in memory for efficient retrieval.