1.4.2 Data structures - Arrays

Question 1

Define an array

Answer 1

1. a static, mutable, ordered collection of items
2. items can be changed or replaced
3. can only store one data type

Question 2

Define a list

Answer 2

1. a dynamic, mutable, ordered collection of items
2. items can be changed or replaced
3. can store more than one data type

Question 3

Define a tuple

Answer 3

1. a static, immutable, ordered collection of items
2. items cannot be changed or replaced
3. can store more than one data type

Question 4

Define a linear array

Answer 4

A one-dimensional array

Question 5

How can you visualise a two-dimensional array?

Answer 5

1. as a spreadsheet
2. a table with two sets of indexes (one for rows and one for columns)

Question 6

How can you visualise a three dimensional array?

Answer 6

As a multi-page spreadsheet

Question 7

Define a record data structure

Answer 7

1. a collection of related fields
2. a field is a variable
3. each field in a record can have a different data type

Question 8

How many data types can arrays support?

Answer 8

A single data type (homogeneous)

Question 9

Differences between arrays and lists

Answer 9

1. lists can store data non-continuously whereas arrays store data in order
2. lists can store data of more than one data type

Question 10

Difference between tuples and arrays

Answer 10

1. tuples are initialised with regular brackets
2. arrays are initialised with square brackets