A linear array is a data structure that stores a collection of elements in a sequential manner. Each element can be accessed using an index, which represents its position in the array. Linear arrays are commonly used in programming to manage lists of items, such as numbers or strings, allowing for efficient data retrieval and manipulation. In a linear array, the elements are stored in contiguous memory locations, meaning they are placed next to each other. This arrangement enables quick access to any element by calculating its address based on the starting point and the index. Linear arrays are fundamental in computer science and are often used in algorithms and data processing tasks.