One Dimensional Array In C

The format of a single-dimensional array in the C programming language is outlined below:

dataType arrayName[arraySize];

• ✅ dataType specifies the data type of the array. It can be any valid data type in C programming language, such as int, float, char, double , etc.
• ✅ arrayName is the name of the array, which is used to refer to the array in the program.
• ✅ arraySize specifies the number of elements in the array. It must be a positive integer value .

Example of One-Dimensional Array in C

Let's consider a basic illustration of a one-dimensional array in the C programming language to grasp its syntax and application.

#include <stdio.h>
 int main() {
   int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {
printf("numbers[%d] = %d\n", i, numbers[i]);
   }
     return 0;
}

Output:

numbers[0] = 10
numbers[1] = 20
numbers[2] = 30
numbers[3] = 40
numbers[4] = 50

Explanation:

In the previous instance, we have defined a one-dimensional array of integers called numbers. This array is comprised of five elements, each of which is assigned an initial value.

We employed a for loop to cycle through the elements within the array and display their values by utilizing the printf function.

Accessing Elements of One-Dimensional Array in C

In a single-dimensional array, each element is distinguished by its index or position within the array. The initial element in the array is indexed as 0, while the final element is indexed as arraySize - 1.

To retrieve an element from a single-dimensional array in the C programming language, we employ the following syntax:

arrayName[index]

• ✅ arrayName is the name of the array.
• ✅ index is the index of the element we want to access.

Example of Retrieving Elements of Single-Dimensional Array in C

Let's consider an example to grasp the concept of accessing elements in a single-dimensional array using the C programming language.

#include <stdio.h>
 int main() {
   int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
printf("The first element of the array is: %d\n", numbers[0]);
printf("The third element of the array is: %d\n", numbers[2]);

   return 0;
}

Output:

The first element of the array is: 10
The third element of the array is: 30

Explanation:

In the previous example, a one-dimensional array of integers called numbers was defined. The initial element of the array was retrieved using the index 0, and the third element was accessed using the index 2.

Accessing Elements of One-Dimensional Arrays

We have the ability to retrieve specific elements from a one-dimensional array by referencing their index, an integer value indicating their position within the array. The initial element in the array is located at index 0, while the final element is situated at arraySize-1.

Accessing an element of a single-dimensional array in C involves using the following syntax:

arrayName[index]

• ✅ arrayName is the name of the array.
• ✅ index is the index of the element we want to access.

An illustration of Retrieving Elements from a Single-Dimensional Array in C

#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
   int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
printf("The third element of the array is %d\n", numbers[2]);
     return 0;
}

Output:

The third element of the array is 30

Explanation:

In the previous illustration, a single-dimensional array of integers called "numbers" has been defined and set with the elements {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}. The printf function has been employed to display the third element of the array, which is obtained by utilizing the index 2.

Modifying Elements of One-Dimensional Arrays

We have the ability to change the value of specific elements within a one-dimensional array by referencing their index. Updating an element involves assigning a new value to it through the use of the assignment operator =.

Example of Altering Elements of One-Dimensional Array in C

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
   int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
printf("The third element of the array is %d\n", numbers[2]);
numbers[2] = 35;
     printf("The third element of the array is now %d\n", numbers[2]); 

     return 0; 

}

Output:

The third element of the array is 30 
The third element of the array is now 35

Explanation:

In the provided example, a single-dimensional array of integers called numbers has been defined and set with the elements {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}. The printf function was employed to display the third element in the array, which is accessed through the index 2.

Subsequently, we adjusted the value of the third item by assigning a fresh value of 35 to it. Ultimately, the printf function was employed once more to display the updated value of the third element.

Initializing One Dimensional Array in C

In the C programming language, we have the option to set initial values for a one-dimensional array either during declaration or at a later point in the program. When initializing a one-dimensional array during declaration, we can use the syntax below:

dataType arrayName[arraySize] = {element1, element2, ..., elementN};

• ✅ "dataType' specifies the data type of the array.
• ✅ "arrayName' is the name of the array.
• ✅ "arraySize' specifies the number of elements in the array.
• ✅ "{element1, element2, ..., elementN}' specifies the values of the elements in the array. The number of elements must be equal to "arraySize' .

An illustration of Initializing a One-Dimensional Array in C:

• ✅ Declare an array and assign values to its elements in one line.
• ✅ Specify the array size to allocate memory for all elements.

Let's consider an example to grasp the concept of initializing a single-dimensional array in the C programming language.

#include <stdio.h>
int main() { 
   int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}; 
     for(int i=0; i<5; i++) { 
      printf("numbers[%d] = %d\n", i, numbers[i]); 
   } 
    return 0; 
}

Output of the code:

numbers[0] = 10 
numbers[1] = 20 
numbers[2] = 30 
numbers[3] = 40 
numbers[4] = 50

Explanation:

In the previous illustration, a one-dimensional array of integers called numbers was defined and assigned with the elements {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}. A for loop was employed to cycle through the array elements and display their values by utilizing the printf function.

We can alternatively set up a single-dimensional array at a later stage in the program by assigning values to its elements using the subsequent syntax:

arrayName[index] = value;

• ✅ arrayName is the name of the array.
• ✅ index is the index of the element we want to assign a value to.
• ✅ value is the value we want to assign to the element.

An illustration of Initializing One Dimensional Array in C:

1. Initializing an array with specific values:
Example
Copy
int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
Try it Yourself
2. Initializing an array with default values:
Example
Copy
int data[3] = {0}; // Initializes all elements to 0
Try it Yourself
3. Using designated initializers:
Example
Copy
int values[4] = { [0] = 10, [2] = 20 }; // Initializes specific elements
Try it Yourself

Let's consider an example to grasp the concept of initializing a single-dimensional array at a later stage within a program written in the C programming language.

#include <stdio.h>
int main() { 
   int numbers[5]; 
      numbers[0] = 10; 
   numbers[1] = 20; 
   numbers[2] = 30; 
   numbers[3] = 40; 
   numbers[4] = 50; 
     for(int i=0; i<5; i++) { 
      printf("numbers[%d] = %d\n", i, numbers[i]); 
   } 
      return 0; 
}

Output of the code:

numbers[0] = 10 
numbers[1] = 20 
numbers[2] = 30 
numbers[3] = 40 
numbers[4] = 50

Explanation:

In the previously mentioned example, we have defined a one-dimensional integer array called numbers. The array elements are assigned values later in the code. We have employed a for loop to traverse through the array elements and display their values by utilizing the printf function.

Conclusion:

In this post, we've discussed single-dimensional arrays in the C programming language, encompassing their structure, illustrations, and results. Single-dimensional arrays are a fundamental idea in programming, enabling the storage of numerous values of a uniform data type within one variable. Accessing, initializing, and modifying single-dimensional arrays can be achieved through diverse methods and actions, like loops and assignments. Proficiency in single-dimensional arrays empowers us to tackle an array of programming challenges and execute numerous beneficial algorithms and data structures.

Mastering one-dimensional arrays in C is a key foundation of programming, essential for any budding developer. By grasping the concepts and strategies discussed in this guide, you can excel in manipulating one-dimensional arrays and leverage this expertise in tackling intricate programming tasks.

Here is the full code example from the article :

#include <stdio.h>
int main() { 
   int numbers[5] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}; 
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) { 
      printf("numbers[%d] = %d\n", i, numbers[i]); 
   } 
  return 0 ; 
}

Output:

numbers[0] = 10 
numbers[1] = 20 
numbers[2] = 30 
numbers[3] = 40 
numbers[4] = 50