Capítulo 2 - O que são vetores?

Summary

The script explains the concept of arrays in programming, emphasizing their role as a homogeneous data structure that stores multiple values of the same type. It describes how arrays are defined with four key characteristics: name, size, type, and index. The script also clarifies the difference between variables and arrays, demonstrating how arrays can store multiple elements while variables hold a single value. It discusses the structure and indexing of arrays through practical examples, answers common student questions, and addresses key concepts such as static arrays and valid data types.

Takeaways

• 😀 A vector is a data structure that stores multiple values of the same type in different compartments called cells.
• 😀 Unlike variables, which store a single value, vectors can hold multiple values, each identified by an index.
• 😀 Vectors are **homogeneous structures**, meaning they only store values of the same data type.
• 😀 A vector has four key characteristics: Name, Size, Type, and Index.
• 😀 The **name** identifies the vector, while the **size** defines how many elements it can hold.
• 😀 The **type** of a vector specifies the kind of data it can store (e.g., integers, real numbers, characters).
• 😀 The **index** refers to the position of each element within the vector, starting at 0 and continuing sequentially.
• 😀 In a vector, the index is used to access each element, but it is not the same as the value stored at that position.
• 😀 Vectors are static in many programming environments, meaning their size cannot be changed once defined.
• 😀 The elements of a vector are identified by both the vector's name and the index position in square brackets (e.g., `vector[0]`).
• 😀 It is not mandatory to fill all the cells of a vector; you can leave some cells empty depending on your use case.

Q & A

What is a vector in programming?

A vector is a data structure that stores multiple values of the same type, unlike a variable that stores only one value. It can be thought of as a container with several compartments (cells), where each cell holds one piece of data.

How is a vector different from a variable?

While a variable stores only one value, a vector can store multiple values. A variable has one compartment, while a vector has multiple compartments, each capable of storing one value.

What are the key characteristics of a vector?

The key characteristics of a vector are: its name, size (number of cells), type (data type stored in the vector), and index (position of each cell, starting from 0).

What is the importance of the index in a vector?

The index is crucial because it identifies the position of each cell in the vector. It starts from 0 and increments by 1 for each subsequent cell. The index allows you to access specific elements stored in the vector.

Can a vector store different types of data in its cells?

No, all cells in a vector must store data of the same type. Vectors are homogeneous data structures, meaning they can only store one type of data, such as integers, real numbers, or characters.

What is the significance of the size of a vector?

The size of a vector defines the number of cells it contains. It determines how many values the vector can hold and how many indices are available to store data.

Can a vector’s size be changed after it is created?

No, vectors are static data structures. Once a vector is created, its size is fixed, and it cannot be resized during the program’s execution.

What types of data can be stored in a vector?

A vector can store primitive data types such as integers, real numbers (floating-point), and characters. Non-primitive types are beyond the scope of this course.

Is it necessary to fill all the cells of a vector with values?

No, it is not mandatory to fill all the cells in a vector. A vector can be partially filled, and only the required number of cells need to be populated with data.

Can the index of a vector contain non-integer values?

No, the index of a vector must always be an integer. It cannot contain real (decimal) values.