An array or list is a variable that holds multiple values in a single container, stored in a specific order. Instead of creating separate variables for every item — fruit1, fruit2, fruit3 — you store them all in one place and access them by their position, called an index.

Most languages start counting from 0, meaning the first item is at index 0, the second at index 1, and so on. Lua is a notable exception, starting from 1 instead.

The difference between an array and a list comes down to flexibility. Arrays are typically fixed in size — once created you can't easily add or remove slots. Lists are dynamic, meaning they can grow and shrink as needed. Some languages offer both, others blur the line between them. Knowing which one to reach for depends on whether you need that flexibility.