Loading...
Master array structures and memory optimization techniques
Section 1 of 4
An array is a fundamental data structure that stores multiple elements of the same type in contiguous memory locations. Think of it as a row of boxes, where each box can hold one piece of data, and each box has a numbered address (index) for easy access.
A collection of elements of the same data type stored in contiguous memory locations
Example:
int arr[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}A numerical position that identifies each element in an array (typically starts from 0)
Example:
arr[0] = 10, arr[1] = 20An individual data item stored at a specific position within the array
Example:
In {10, 20, 30}, each number is an elementThe total number of elements that an array can hold
Example:
Array of size 5 can hold 5 elementsFixed size arrays allocated at compile time
int arr[10]; // C/C++ int[] arr = new int[10]; // Java
Resizable arrays allocated at runtime
vector<int> arr; // C++ ArrayList<Integer> arr; // Java list = [] // Python
A single row of elements accessed by one index
int arr[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};arr[index]Simple lists, sequences, basic data storage
Elements stored in contiguous memory locations on the stack
Arrays form the basis for more complex data structures like strings, matrices, and dynamic lists.
Contiguous memory layout makes arrays cache-friendly and memory-efficient for sequential data.
Direct access to any element using its index makes arrays perfect for random access patterns.
Choose between static (fast, fixed) and dynamic (flexible, overhead) based on your needs.