Index: Difference between revisions
TakuyaMurata (talk | contribs) In computer science, an '''index''' is usualy used for expressing an ''n''th element. Indices are usually expressed as integer. |
usually has two "l"s. should the final "integer" be plural? it reads like it should be, but IMBW - i'm not up on computer science, I guess this could be a specific usage. -AW (not logged in) |
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In [[computer science]], an '''index''' is |
In [[computer science]], an '''index''' is usually used for expressing an ''n''th element. Indices are usually expressed as [[integer]]. |
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Revision as of 02:04, 22 March 2003
An index is a pointer that takes you to information. Traditionally indexes are found at the back of books. They complement the contents page because they give access to information by its specific name; contents pages, on the other hand, give access through broad categories. Indexes are usually organised alphabetically; contents pages are organised according to the order of pages in the book.
Indexing skills have also been applied to periodicals and databases, and web indexing is now becoming important.
In mathematics, an index (plural indices) is a superscript or subscript to a symbol. Superscript indices are often, but not always, used to indicate powers. Subscript indices are usually used to label a set or sequence of variables.
In computer science, an index is usually used for expressing an nth element. Indices are usually expressed as integer.