C++ Arrays

In C++, an array is a collection of elements of the same type, stored in contiguous memory locations. Arrays allow you to store multiple values of a single data type under a single variable name.

1. Declaring and Initializing Arrays

Example of declaring and initializing an array:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    // Declaration and initialization of an integer array
    int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

    // Accessing elements of the array
    std::cout << "First element: " << numbers[0] << std::endl;
    std::cout << "Second element: " << numbers[1] << std::endl;

    return 0;
}

2. Accessing Array Elements

You can access elements of an array using index notation (starting from 0):

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int numbers[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

    for (int i = 0; i < 5; ++i) {
        std::cout << "Element at index " << i << ": " << numbers[i] << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

3. Array Size and Iteration

You can determine the size of an array using the sizeof operator:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int numbers[] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

    int size = sizeof(numbers) / sizeof(numbers[0]);

    for (int i = 0; i < size; ++i) {
        std::cout << "Element at index " << i << ": " << numbers[i] << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

4. Multidimensional Arrays

Example of declaring and using a multidimensional array:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int matrix[3][3] = {
        {1, 2, 3},
        {4, 5, 6},
        {7, 8, 9}
    };

    // Accessing elements of the multidimensional array
    std::cout << "Element at position (1, 2): " << matrix[1][2] << std::endl;

    return 0;
}

Conclusion

Arrays in C++ are fundamental data structures that allow you to store and manipulate multiple values of the same type efficiently. This chapter covered basic array operations such as declaration, initialization, accessing elements, determining array size, and using multidimensional arrays. Understanding arrays enables you to manage collections of data effectively in your C++ programs.