What is a multi-dimensional array?

A multi-dimensional array is characterized by having more than one dimension, which allows it to represent data in a structured format that is inherently more complex than a one-dimensional array. For example, a two-dimensional array can be visualized as a grid or matrix, where data is organized in rows and columns. This structure is particularly useful for a variety of applications, including mathematical calculations, simulations, and data representation in tabular form.

By enabling the use of multiple indices to access elements, multi-dimensional arrays facilitate the organization of data that correlates to multiple criteria. This is essential in scenarios where data requires a hierarchical structure, such as in image manipulation (where each pixel can be represented as a point in a 2D array) or in scientific computations (operations on matrices).

Other options describe different concepts that do not accurately convey the definition of a multi-dimensional array. An array that holds only integers pertains to a single-dimensional array limited by data type, while an array containing elements of different data types refers to heterogeneous data structures, commonly found in languages like Python with lists. An array that can dynamically change size indicates flexibility in storage but does not inherently define the concept of dimensionality, which is central to the definition of multi-dimensional arrays.