When you look at arrays and lists in programming, there are some important differences to know about:
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Size:
- Arrays have a set size.
- Once you make an array, you can’t change how many items are in it.
- Lists, on the other hand, can change size.
- You can add or remove items whenever you need to.
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Data Types:
- Arrays usually hold items that are all the same type.
- For example, they might only have numbers or only words.
- Lists can hold different types of items all together.
- You could have numbers, words, and even other lists in the same list!
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Performance:
- Arrays are quicker when you want to get or change an item.
- Lists might take a bit longer to work with.
- But lists are easier to use if you have a lot of data to keep track of.
So, when choosing between them, think about what you need!
- Use arrays when speed is important.
- Use lists when you want more flexibility!