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