What is the history of zero-based indexing in programming?

What is the history of zero-based indexing in programming?

Zero-based indexing is a method where the first element of a sequence is assigned an index of zero. It has roots in early programming languages like C and has influenced many others.

Why was zero-based indexing chosen over one-based indexing?

Zero-based indexing simplifies the calculation of memory addresses and offsets, making it more efficient for computer operations.

Can you give examples of programming languages that use zero-based indexing?

Sure! Languages like C, C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript all use zero-based indexing.

Are there any languages that use one-based indexing?

Yes, languages like Fortran and Lua use one-based indexing, which can be more intuitive for some users.

How does zero-based indexing affect algorithm design?

It can simplify algorithms, especially those involving loops and array manipulations, as it aligns with how memory is accessed.