What is the difference between an array and a list?

What is the difference between an array and a list?

Arrays and lists are both data structures used to store collections of items, but they have key differences. Arrays have a fixed size and store elements of the same type, while lists are dynamic and can hold elements of different types.

Can you give me an example of when to use an array instead of a list?

Sure! Use an array when you know the number of elements in advance and need fast access to elements by index, like in mathematical computations. Use a list when you need flexibility in size and type, like managing a collection of user inputs.

Are there performance differences between them?

Yes, arrays generally offer better performance for accessing elements due to their fixed size and contiguous memory allocation. Lists, while more flexible, can have overhead due to dynamic resizing and may involve more memory allocation.

What programming languages use arrays and lists?

Most programming languages support both arrays and lists. For example, Java has arrays and ArrayLists, Python has lists and tuples, and C++ has arrays and vectors.