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What are Array Variables?

Learn how arrays help organize information in coding.

Danielle Schulte avatar
Written by Danielle Schulte
Updated over 4 weeks ago

What is an Array?

An array is an ordered list of related items. It can include strings, integers, or other data types. Arrays help learners manage multiple values efficiently by keeping them in a specific order.

Arrays work the same way! Each item in an array has a numbered position, called an index, starting at 0. This index helps us store and find values easily—even if the array has hundreds of items.

Where Students Use Arrays in Kodable

Learners encounter arrays in two different ways in Kodable:

Arrays in Kodable Basics

In some mazes in the Asteroid Belt course, your fuzz has to pass through one or more tunnels. Sometimes, these tunnels are locked and need keys to open.

Here’s where arrays come in:

  • You’ll need to collect a short list of keys in the correct order.

  • The order matters—just like the items in an array.

  • As your fuzz collects keys, they’re added to an array displayed at the top of the screen.

If your array of keys matches the tunnel’s required key array, the door opens and your fuzz continues the journey!

Why It Matters

Arrays help kids understand how data can be grouped, ordered, and used in a real coding environment. This foundational concept supports more advanced coding topics later on—like loops, conditions, and functions.

We recommend encouraging your learners to:

  • Think about the order of things in real life.

  • Notice patterns in the arrays they use in Kodable.

  • Experiment and see what happens when the array is out of order.

Learning arrays isn’t just about coding—it’s about thinking logically and planning ahead.

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