Python Arrays

Python Arrays

Arrays are used to store multiple values in one single variable. Note: Python does not have built-in support for Arrays, but Python Lists can be used instead. However, to work with arrays in Python you will have to import a library, like the NumPy library.

Arrays

Arrays are used to store multiple values in one single variable:

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]

What is an Array?

An array is a special variable, which can hold more than one value at a time. If you have a list of items (a list of car names, for example), storing the cars in single variables could look like this:

car1 = "Ford"
car2 = "Volvo"
car3 = "BMW"

However, what if you want to loop through the cars and find a specific one? And what if you had not 3 cars, but 300? The solution is an array! An array can hold many values under a single name, and you can access the values by referring to an index number.

Access the Elements of an Array

You refer to an array element by referring to the index number:

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]
x = cars[0]
print(x)

The Length of an Array

Use the len() method to return the length of an array:

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]
x = len(cars)
print(x)

Looping Array Elements

You can use the for in loop to loop through all the elements of an array:

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]
for x in cars:
  print(x)

Adding Array Elements

You can use the append() method to add an element to an array:

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]
cars.append("Honda")
print(cars)