Vector: meaning, definitions and examples

As before, used in mathematics and physics. Can also be used in computing to describe a dynamic array.

• In physics class, we learned how to add vectors
• In programming, the vector class is very useful for dynamic arrays

Often used in everyday language to indicate direction or to point to something visually. Also used in archery and as a symbol in various contexts.

• He drew an arrow pointing to the right
• The archer shot an arrow at the target

Used in geometry to describe a part of a line that is bounded by two distinct end points.

• The line segment between points A and B is 5 cm long

In geometry, a ray starts at a point and extends infinitely in one direction. Also used metaphorically to indicate something spreading out or a single beam of light.

• The sun's rays shone through the window
• In geometry, a ray starts at point A and goes through point B

Used commonly in mathematics, science, and computer graphics to describe a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It can also refer to a biological entity that carries and transmits a pathogen.

• The velocity vector of the car pointed eastward.
• Mosquitoes are vectors for malaria.

Used to describe an individual or entity that carries and possibly transmits a disease, or in transport and logistics to refer to a company or thing that transports goods or people.

• She is a carrier of the genetic mutation.
• FedEx is a global carrier of packages.

Primarily used in electronics and telecommunication to describe a device that sends signals or data. It can also imply someone or something that spreads information or disease.

• The radio transmitter sends signals over long distances.
• He acted as a transmitter of rumors.

In programming, 'vector' is typically used to refer to a resizable array. It is often used in contexts where dynamic arrays are needed which can change in size automatically.

• The vector's size will automatically adjust when new elements are added.
• Vectors in C++ are part of the Standard Template Library.

An 'array' is used to store a collection of elements of the same type. Arrays have a fixed size that is defined when they are created. They are commonly used when you know the number of elements ahead of time.

• We declared an integer array to store the ages of the group members.
• Arrays in Java start with an index of 0.

'List' is used to describe a collection that can grow and shrink dynamically. Lists can store elements of various types and offers better flexibility compared to arrays.

• We used a list to keep track of user inputs because the number of inputs was unpredictable.
• In Python, a list is a versatile data structure.