associative array

[/əˌsoʊʃiətɪv əˈreɪ/]
nounpl: associative arrays
vetor associativo
1. A data structure that implements a map abstraction: a structure that maps keys to values, where keys are not restricted to integer indices
In PHP, you can use associative arrays to store key-value pairs like $person['name'] = 'John'.
Em PHP, você pode usar vetores associativos para armazenar pares chave-valor como $pessoa['nome'] = 'João'.
2. A collection of data elements indexed by arbitrary keys rather than by numeric indices
The associative array allows you to access elements using string keys instead of numeric indices.
O vetor associativo permite acessar elementos usando chaves de string em vez de índices numéricos.
This is primarily technical jargon used in programming and computer science. In Brazil, the term 'vetor associativo' is commonly taught in computer science courses, while in Portugal and increasingly in Brazil, the term 'dicionário' is gaining popularity due to Python's widespread adoption. The English term 'associative array' is often used interchangeably in both countries' tech communities, especially in documentation and informal discussions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hash tablehash mapdictionarymapkey-value store
Antonyms / Antônimos
indexed arraynumeric array

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vetor associativo
Standard term used in Brazilian programming education and documentation
São Paulo
array associativo
Common usage in São Paulo tech community, often uses English term
Portugal
array associativo / dicionário
Portuguese often uses 'dicionário' as alternative, particularly in Python contexts
General USA
associative array
Standard technical term in American English programming communities

Related Words

arraydata structurekey-value pairhash functiondictionarymap
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