Declaring arrays

Learn to declare and initialize arrays with int[] and double[].

Declaring arrays

An array holds several values of the same type under one name. In C the array size goes in square brackets; the type comes first.

int scores[5];
double prices[10];
char name[32];

Here scores holds 5 integers, prices 10 decimals, name 32 characters. Arrays occupy contiguous memory; this makes access fast. After declaring, you assign values by index using square brackets.

Initializing arrays

You can give values when you declare the array. Write the values in a list inside braces.

int scores[5] = {85, 92, 78, 90, 88};
double temps[3] = {36.5, 37.0, 36.8};
char vowels[5] = {'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', 'u'};

If you omit the size the compiler counts the list: int scores[] = {85, 92, 78}; makes a three-element array. With fewer values, the rest become zero; useful for safe initialization.

Exercise Declare three scores and print

Write a C program. Declare int scores[3] = {85, 92, 78};. Print the three values with printf("%d %d %d\n", scores[0], scores[1], scores[2]);. Put #include <stdio.h> at the top.

Show example solution

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void) {
    int scores[3] = {85, 92, 78};
    printf("%d %d %d\n", scores[0], scores[1], scores[2]);
    return 0;
}

Test yourself

How many values does int scores[5]; hold?
```
int scores[5];
```
- 1
- 5
- 4
- 6
Show answer

5 — [5] makes a five-element array.
Complete the array declaration
```
int ____[5];
```
Show answer
```
int scores[5];
```
Match the array parts

int

Type
scores

Name
[5]

Size
{1,2,3}

Initialization

Next lesson: Array access

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