Array Means Both Order and Display
An array is an ordered arrangement. The word once meant to prepare troops for battle, and computing borrowed it for ordered data.
An array is an ordered arrangement, or an impressive display. Its oldest English sense is military: to array troops was to draw them up in order of battle, and *battle array* preserves it. From ordered ranks the word moved to any ordered set, and computing took it for a numbered list of values. It also means to dress formally, as in *arrayed in silk*.
- An ordered arrangement. *A solar array.*
- An impressive display. *A dazzling array of options.*
- In computing — an indexed list. *An array of integers.*
- To draw up in order. *Troops arrayed on the ridge.*
- Arrayed in — dressed in. *Arrayed in ceremonial robes.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | array | A wide array. |
| Plural | arrays | Two arrays. |
| Verb | array | Array the pieces. |
| Past | arrayed | Arrayed for battle. |
| Related | disarray | In complete disarray. |
- A solar array covers the roof.Engineering.
- An impressive array of evidence.Display.
- Arrays are indexed from zero in most languages.Computing.
Array in programming
- An indexed collection of values of the same type
- Zero-indexed in most languages — the first element is number 0
- Fixed or dynamic length, depending on the language
- Off-by-one errors are among the commonest bugs in programming
- The name comes from the military sense of drawing things up in order
Anglo-French *arraier*, to put in order, from a Germanic root meaning to prepare. English has used it since the 1300s, and the computing sense dates from the 1960s.
Why are arrays indexed from zero?
Because the index originally expressed an offset from the start of the block of memory. The first element is zero positions along.
What does disarray mean?
Disorder. It is the direct negative of the older sense of array, meaning proper arrangement.