What is an array in programming?

An array in programming is defined as a data structure that holds a fixed-size sequence of elements of the same type. This means that once an array is created, it has a defined length, and all elements it contains are of the same data type (for example, all integers, all strings, etc.). This characteristic allows arrays to be efficiently stored and accessed in memory.

The fixed size allows for predictable memory allocation, as the amount of memory required for the array can be determined at compile time. The homogeneous nature of the elements simplifies data manipulation and access since you can perform operations on all elements without needing to consider their types.

This structure is commonly used due to its efficiency in both time and space for operations such as accessing elements by index or iterating through the array. This clarity in the array's structure and function makes it a fundamental concept in programming.