2.2.7

Arrays

Test yourself

Arrays

Arrays are really useful when you have access to large amounts of related data, but you don't want to store in multiple variables.

Illustrative background for ArraysIllustrative background for Arrays ?? "content

Arrays

  • Arrays are a data structure that stores a fixed number of values under a single identifier.
  • The values must be of the same type.
Illustrative background for Array elementsIllustrative background for Array elements ?? "content

Array elements

  • Each piece of data inside an array is called an element.
  • Each element has an index, which is its position within the array.
  • We start counting the indices from 0.
Illustrative background for Arrays in pseudocodeIllustrative background for Arrays in pseudocode ?? "content

Arrays in pseudocode

  • An array of ten items can be created using the following syntax:
    • array name_of_array[10]
  • Values can be assigned as follows:
    • name_of_array[0] = "Hello"
  • Values can be accessed as follows:
    • print(name_of_array[0])

2D Arrays

A 2D array is the data structure which consists of an array of arrays.

Illustrative background for 2D ArrayIllustrative background for 2D Array ?? "content

2D Array

  • A 2D array is a data structure where arrays are filled with other arrays.
  • This can be used to represent a 2D surface, or records.
Illustrative background for Accessing elementsIllustrative background for Accessing elements ?? "content

Accessing elements

  • To access an individual array, we can access the array as usual:
    • array = my2DArray[4]
  • To access an individual element, we use this syntax:
    • array[5][0]
  • This would get the first element of the sixth array.
Illustrative background for Applications of 2D arraysIllustrative background for Applications of 2D arrays ?? "content

Applications of 2D arrays

  • 2D arrays are often used to represent a 2D surface, for example a chess board:
    • Each element of the 2D array could contain the chess piece in that location.
  • 2D arrays can be used to represent a database:
    • The outer array stores a collection of records.
    • The inner arrays store a single record.

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.5Systems Software

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson