What defines an array in programming?

An array in programming is defined as a data structure that can hold multiple values of the same type in a contiguous block of memory. This characteristic allows arrays to efficiently store and manage collections of data elements that share a common type, such as integers, floats, or strings.

The contiguous memory allocation means that once an array is declared, the elements can be accessed using an index that refers to their position within the memory block. This leads to efficient data retrieval and manipulation since the memory addresses of elements can be computed easily from the base address of the array.

Arrays also provide the advantage of fixed size, meaning that the size of the array is defined at the time of its creation and cannot be changed afterward. This differs from other data structures such as lists or dynamic arrays that can grow and shrink in size as needed.

In contrast, the other options describe different characteristics or types of data structures that do not accurately capture the fundamental definition of arrays. For example, a data structure that holds multiple values of different types pertains more to structures or records, while a description that includes non-contiguous storage pertains more to linked lists or similar structures. Lastly, categorizing an array simply as a type of variable does not convey its specific properties and structure concerning data management in programming