C Programming Arrays Tutorial for Beginners | BCA BKNMU

What is an Array in C?

An array in C is a collection of elements of the same data type stored under a single variable name. Arrays are useful when we need to store and process multiple values of the same type.

Array Index in C

In C programming, array indexing starts from 0. The first element is stored at index 0, the second element at index 1, and so on.

For example, if an array contains five elements, the indexes are:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4

How Array Memory Works

Array elements are stored in consecutive memory locations. Each element occupies memory according to the data type of the array.

Because array elements are stored sequentially, C can efficiently access an element using its index.

Accessing Array Elements

Array elements can be accessed using the array name followed by the index number inside square brackets.

For example:

int marks[5];

marks[0] = 80;
marks[1] = 75;
marks[2] = 90;

Using Loops with Arrays

Loops are commonly used with arrays because they allow us to access, display and process multiple array elements without writing separate statements for every element.

int i;

for(i = 0; i < 5; i++)
{
    printf("%d", marks[i]);
}

Example of Array in C

A simple one-dimensional array can be declared and initialized as follows:

int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

Here, the array contains five integer elements. The first element is 10 and its index is 0. The last element is 50 and its index is 4.

Why Should BCA Students Learn Arrays?

Arrays are an important concept in C programming and are commonly used in programming problems involving multiple values. Understanding arrays also helps students learn loops, searching, sorting and other data-processing concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an array in C programming?

An array in C is a collection of elements of the same data type stored under a single variable name.

Why does array indexing start from 0 in C?

In C, the first element of an array is represented by index 0. Therefore, an array with five elements uses indexes 0 to 4.

What is a 1D array in C?

A one-dimensional array stores elements in a single sequence and is one of the simplest types of arrays in C programming.

Why are loops used with arrays?

Loops make it easier to access, display and process multiple array elements without writing separate statements for every element.

Topics Covered in This Video

• What is an Array in C?
• Array Index in C
• How Array Memory Works
• Accessing Array Elements
• Using Loops with Arrays
• Example of Array in C
• Arrays in C Programming for BCA Students

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