What is an array in programming?

An array in programming is best described as an ordered list of items of the same data type. This structure allows programmers to store multiple values under a single variable name, enabling efficient data management. Each element within an array can be accessed using its index, which corresponds to its position in the list. For example, in an array that contains integers, every element will be of the integer data type, providing uniformity that simplifies both the processing and storage of the data.

This structured approach is particularly useful when dealing with collections of related data, such as a list of scores, names, or any other type of homogenous information. By using an array, developers can perform operations on a series of elements using loops and other control flow statements which enhances code efficiency and readability.