Initializing an Array in C Language

In the C programming language, an array is a collection of elements of the same data type. It is a fixed-size sequential collection of elements, and each element is accessed by its index. Initializing an array means assigning initial values to its elements during its declaration.

Correct Option: A
The correct way to initialize an array in C language is:

a) int a[3] = {1, 2, 3};

Let's break down the initialization process in the given option:

1. int a[3]: This part declares an integer array named 'a' with a size of 3 elements. The square brackets '[]' indicate the size of the array.

2. = {1, 2, 3}: This part initializes the array elements with the values 1, 2, and 3. The curly braces '{ }' contain the values to be assigned to the array elements. Each value is separated by a comma.

Explanation of Other Incorrect Options:

b) int a = {1, 2, 3};
- This option is incorrect because it tries to initialize a single integer variable 'a' with multiple values using curly braces. It is not valid syntax for initializing an array.

c) int a[] = new int[3]
- This option is not valid in the C language. The syntax 'new int[3]' is used in languages like C++ or Java to dynamically allocate memory for an array. In C, arrays are statically allocated, so we don't use 'new' keyword for initialization.

d) int a(3) = [1, 2, 3];
- This option is also incorrect. The parentheses '(3)' are not valid syntax for array initialization in C. Moreover, the square brackets '[ ]' are not used while initializing an array.

Conclusion:

In C language, arrays can be initialized during their declaration using curly braces '{ }'. The correct syntax for initializing an array is int a[3] = {1, 2, 3}, where 'a' is the array name, '3' is the size of the array, and the values inside the curly braces are the initial values assigned to the array elements.