What is an array in computer science?

An array in computer science is indeed a list of objects of the same data type. It is a fundamental data structure that allows developers to store multiple values or items under a single variable name, with each item being accessible through its index. This characteristic makes arrays particularly useful for managing collections of data, such as lists of numbers, names, or any other comparable items.

Arrays enable efficient access and manipulation since you can retrieve or modify items using their specific index in constant time. Moreover, by having all elements of the same data type, arrays ensure type consistency and memory efficiency, allowing for operations that can be performed on the entire collection without the need for additional type checks or conversions.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe what an array is. A complex mathematical function relates to mathematical operations rather than data structure organization. A method of sorting data would refer to algorithms used to order items within a collection rather than a structure to hold those items. A type of software application denotes software defined by functionality (like a word processor or web browser) rather than a data organization technique.