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[Blog 009] Data Structures: Array

Arrays are a common and fundamental data structure used in computer programming. They are linear structures that store elements of the same data type in contiguous memory locations [1]. Arrays have an index system starting from 0 to (n-1), where n is the size of the array. This makes it easy to access specific elements within the array [1].


In programming, arrays are used in a variety of applications, such as storing collections of data, holding lists of items, and implementing other data structures like stacks and queues. In fact, arrays are considered one of the most primitive and most important data structures in computer programming, and they are used frequently in almost every program [2].


In Python, you can add elements to an array using the built-in "insert()" function. The syntax for using this function is "arrayName.insert (index, value)" and it allows you to add either one element or multiple elements to the array [3].


Let's take a look at a simple example to see how arrays work in practice. Imagine you want to store a list of your favorite books. You could create an array called "favoriteBooks" and add each book to the array as a separate element. Here's what that would look like in code:

favoriteBooks = []
favoriteBooks.insert(0, "To Kill a Mockingbird")
favoriteBooks.insert(1, "Pride and Prejudice")
favoriteBooks.insert(2, "The Great Gatsby")

In this example, we created an empty array called "favoriteBooks" and used the "insert()" function to add three elements to the array, each representing a different book.


In conclusion, arrays are a versatile and essential data structure in computer programming. They provide a way to store collections of data and perform various operations on that data. Whether you're just getting started with programming or you're a seasoned developer, understanding how arrays work and how to use them is an important part of your skillset.


References [1] "What Are Arrays in Data Structures? An array is a linear data structure that collects elements of the same data type and stores them in contiguous and adjacent memory locations. Arrays work on an index system starting from 0 to (n-1), where n is the size of the array. It is an array, but there is a reason that arrays came into the picture." URL: https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/data-structure-tutorial/arrays-in-data-structure

[2] "Introduction to Array Data Structure Arrays are a type of data structure in which elements of the same data type are sorted in contiguous memory locations. Arrays are among the most primitive and most important data structures in computer programming. We use arrays all the time in almost every program." URL: https://blog.masaischool.com/array-data-structure-explained-with-examples/

[3] "The operations that can be carried out in an array of the python data structure are listed below. 1. Addition of an element to an array The built-in insert () function is used for adding elements to an array. Syntax used: arrayName.insert (index, value) Either one or more than one element can be added to the array through the insert () function." URL: https://www.upgrad.com/blog/array-in-data-structure-explanation-function-examples/

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