What are dynamic arrays and how do they perform compared to static arrays?

What are dynamic arrays and how do they perform compared to static arrays?

Dynamic arrays are data structures that can grow and shrink in size, unlike static arrays which have a fixed size. They offer flexibility but may have performance trade-offs due to resizing operations.

What are the advantages of using dynamic arrays?

The main advantages include flexibility in size, ease of insertion and deletion, and better memory utilization. They can adapt to varying data needs.

Are there any downsides to using dynamic arrays?

Yes, downsides include potential performance hits during resizing, increased memory overhead, and possible fragmentation in memory.

In what scenarios should I prefer static arrays over dynamic arrays?

Static arrays are preferable when the size of the data is known in advance and won't change, as they offer faster access and lower memory overhead.

Can you give an example of a programming language that uses dynamic arrays?

Sure! Languages like Python and Java use dynamic arrays. In Python, lists are dynamic arrays, while in Java, the ArrayList class provides dynamic array functionality.