an array in which the index need not be a numerically sequential value
an array that can be indexed not only with numbers, but also with strings or any other value of the language, except nil
an array that can use non-numbers as array subscripts
an array which can use non-numbers as array subscripts
an array which uses a string (instead of a number) to locate an element within the array
an array with names instead of indexes for each of its elements
a special kind of Do-It-Yourself array
(n.) A collection of data (an array) that enables individual items to be indexed (accessed) by a string, rather than by an integer as is common in most programming languages.
An associative array-also called a hash-uses strings as indexes instead of numbers; for example, $hash{'david'} or $hash{'Larry Wall'}. Note that hashes use curly brackets around the index while arrays use square brackets.
Arrays in which the indices may be numbers or strings, not just sequential integers in a fixed range. awk Language The language in which awk programs are written. awk Program An awk program consists of a series of patterns and actions, collectively known as rules. For each input record given to the program, the program's rules are all processed in turn. awk programs may also contain function definitions. awk Script Another name for an awk program.
An associative array (also map, hash, dictionary, finite map, lookup table, and in query-processing an index or index file) is an abstract data type composed of a collection of keys and a collection of values, where each key is associated with one value. The operation of finding the value associated with a key is called a lookup or indexing, and this is the most important operation supported by an associative array. The relationship between a key and its value is sometimes called a mapping or binding.