The Use of Arrays in C++ Programming

Paper Summary:

This paper defines "array" as a type of data structure that can contain multiple items, all of the same kind. An array can also be defined as any variable type, that can form the basis of an array definition. Arrays are used to pass on information and are applied to various types of computer programming such as C and C++ assembly language as well as Pascal, one of the earliest programming languages. Higher level languages such as COBOL and the Pick family of languages use arrays as well. This paper details in technical terms the advantages and disadvantages in using arrays in programming. In computer programming, arrays are used anytime a collection of strings needs sorting or analysis. This would include most business uses. Arrays are helpful in electronic data interfacing as well.

Table of Contents:
Background on Arrays
What is an Array?
Why is an Array Used?
Advantages of Using Arrays
Disadvantages of Using Arrays
Uses of Arrays in C++
How Arrays Must Be Handled
How Arrays Sort and Search
Types of Arrays Used
Parallel Arrays
Indexed Arrays
Multidimensional Arrays
In What Applications are Arrays Used
An Example of an Array
Works Cited and Bibliography

From the Paper:

"Borland C++ for Dummies calls Arrays, "Arrays of Hope". Michael Hyman goes on to say that the great thing about arrays is that each element in the array has a number, called an index, that you can use to easily access the information in that element. You can also use loops to look at all the elements (or a range of elements) in a particular array. The array index lets you access any of the items in the array immediately. This makes random access much faster than using lists for storing information." COBOL programming uses lists or tables to store information and its access time is much slower than C. On the other hand, Pick Systems use Arrays to store strings the same way that C and C++ does. This automatic data base language also uses loops to read and print strings the same as C does."

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