Editing Array (data structure) (section)

==Applications==
Arrays are used to implement mathematical [[coordinate vector|vectors]] and [[matrix (mathematics)|matrices]], as well as other kinds of rectangular tables. Many [[database]]s, small and large, consist of (or include) one-dimensional arrays whose elements are [[record (computer science)|record]]s.

Arrays are used to implement other data structures, such as lists, [[heap (data structure)|heaps]], [[hash table]]s, [[double-ended queue|deque]]s, [[queue (data structure)|queue]]s, [[stack (data structure)|stacks]], [[String (computer science)|strings]], and VLists. Array-based implementations of other data structures are frequently simple and space-efficient ([[implicit data structure]]s), requiring little space [[Overhead (computing)|overhead]], but may have poor space complexity, particularly when modified, compared to tree-based data structures (compare a [[sorted array]] to a [[search tree]]).

One or more large arrays are sometimes used to emulate in-program [[dynamic memory allocation]], particularly [[memory pool]] allocation. Historically, this has sometimes been the only way to allocate "dynamic memory" portably.

Arrays can be used to determine partial or complete [[control flow]] in programs, as a compact alternative to (otherwise repetitive) multiple <code>IF</code> statements. They are known in this context as [[control table]]s and are used in conjunction with a purpose-built interpreter whose [[control flow]] is altered according to values contained in the array. The array may contain [[subroutine]] [[Pointer (computer programming)|pointers]] (or relative subroutine numbers that can be acted upon by [[Switch statement|SWITCH]] statements) that direct the path of the execution.