What are the differences between lists and arrays in programming?

What are the differences between lists and arrays in programming?

Lists and arrays are both used to store collections of items, but they have key differences. Lists are dynamic and can change size, while arrays have a fixed size.

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

Sure! Use a list when you need to frequently add or remove items, like managing a shopping cart. Use an array for fixed-size collections, like storing the days of the week.

Are there performance differences between them?

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

What programming languages use lists and arrays?

Most programming languages support both. For example, Python has lists, while Java has both arrays and ArrayLists.