Arrays
An array is a variable that allows you to use a single variable name to be associated with all instances of that variable.
- holds a fixed number of values of a single type
- Length of an array is established when the array is created
- After creation, its length is fixed
Array processing
- Arrays are one of the most powerful programming tools available
- Provide programmer with a way of organizing and collecting of homogeneous data items
- Allow the data elements to be contained within a single variable
- Elements (items) in an array are distinguished from each other via an index or subscript
- Elements in an array can be processed with either a DO loop or DOWHILE loop
- An array is a data structure that is made up of a number of variables of all the same data type.
Typical operations on arrays
- Initialize values of the array elements
- Process each elements of the array
- Search the array for a particular element
- Write the contents of an array to a report
Common algorithms that manipulate arrays
- Find the sum of the elements of an array
- Find the mean (average) of the elements of an array
- Find the largest of the elements of an array
- Find the smallest of the elements of an array
- Find the range of the elements of an array
Initializing the elements of an array
- Load constant values into an array
- Laad initial values into an array from an input file