An array is a data structure in computer science that enables the
storage and manipulation of a group of identically typed elements. It
offers a way to arrange data sequentially, with each element given a
distinct index based on where it is in the array.
The following characteristics define arrays:
Fixed Size:
When an array is created, its predetermined size is specified. The
maximum number of elements that the array can contain is defined by
this size. Although some programming languages support resizable
arrays or dynamic arrays that can be resized in place, once an array is
created, its size usually stays constant.
Homogeneous Elements:
Elements that are stored in arrays are homogeneous, meaning they
are the same data type. A collection of integers, floating-point numbers,
characters, or any other single data type, for instance, could be stored in
an array. Each component will take up the same amount of memory
thanks to its homogeneity.
Contiguous Memory Allocation:
The elements of an array are stored in contiguous memory
locations, which means that they are kept in memory one after the other.
Since elements can be directly accessed using their index by carrying out
basic arithmetic operations, this contiguous allocation enables efficient
memory access.