6.10: Dynamic Arrays
- Page ID
- 10680
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Overview
A dynamic array is a random access, variable-size list data structure that allows elements to be added or removed. It is supplied with standard libraries in many modern programming languages. Dynamic arrays overcome a limit of static arrays, which have a fixed capacity that needs to be specified at allocation.[1]
Discussion
A limitation of the static arrays discussed so far is that the array size is determined when the array is created and/or allocated. Dynamic arrays allow elements to be added and removed at runtime. Most current programming languages include built-in or standard library functions for creating and managing dynamic arrays.
| Language | Class | Add | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|
| C++ | #include <list>std::list | insert | erase |
| C# | System.Collections.Generic.List | Add | Remove |
| Java | java.util.ArrayList | add | remove |
| JavaScript | Array | push, splice | pop, splice |
| Python | list | append | remove |
| Swift | Array | append | remove |
Key Terms
- dynamic array
- A data structure consisting of a collection of elements that allows individual elements to be added or removed.