How to Create a User-Defined Array in C?

You can create a user-defined array in C by declaring it with a specific data type and size. Here's how:

Declaring a User-Defined Array

1. Specify the data type: This determines the type of data the array will hold. Examples include int, float, char, or even user-defined structures.

2. Provide the array name: Choose a descriptive name that reflects the array's purpose.

3. Define the array size: This specifies the number of elements the array can store.

Here's the general syntax:

data_type array_name[size];

Example:

int numbers[5]; // Declares an integer array named 'numbers' with a size of 5

Initializing a User-Defined Array

You can initialize an array during its declaration:

int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}; // Initializes 'numbers' with values 1 to 5

You can also initialize only part of the array, leaving the remaining elements with their default values (usually 0 for numeric types):

int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3}; // Initializes 'numbers' with 1, 2, 3, and 0 for the remaining elements

Accessing Array Elements

Use the array name and an index (starting from 0) to access individual elements:

numbers[0] = 10; // Assigns the value 10 to the first element of 'numbers'
int firstElement = numbers[0]; // Stores the value of the first element in 'firstElement'

Practical Insights

• Arrays are useful for storing collections of data of the same type.
• Remember that array indices start from 0.
• Avoid accessing elements beyond the array's bounds, as it can lead to unexpected behavior.