An array is a collection of items stored at contiguous memory locations. It allows you to group multiple values under a single name, making it easier to manage and access them. For example, if you have a list of numbers like 1, 2, and 3, you can store them in an array called myNumbers. This way, you can easily refer to the entire list or access individual elements using their position, known as an index. Arrays are commonly used in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++. They help organize data efficiently, especially when dealing with large datasets. By using arrays, developers can perform operations like sorting, searching, and iterating through elements quickly, enhancing the performance of their applications.