What is the base address of an array?

The base address of an array is defined as the address of the first component of the array. When working with arrays in programming, this foundational concept is critical because it establishes where the memory allocation for the array begins.

In memory, an array is stored in a contiguous block, meaning all elements are placed sequentially. By knowing the base address, one can calculate the address of any other element in the array. For example, if the base address is known and the size of each element is known, you can find the address of the nth element by using the formula: base address + (n * size of each element).

This understanding is essential in programming with arrays, as it allows effective manipulation of data structures, efficient memory usage, and access to elements via said base address. In contrast to the other options, which present addresses of different points in the array or irrelevant information, correctly identifying the base address lays the groundwork for various array operations and memory management techniques.