0indexed

0indexed refers to a convention in computer science and mathematics where the first element of a sequence or collection is assigned the index 0, rather than 1. This is in contrast to 1-indexed systems, where the first element is assigned the index 1.

The 0-indexed convention is prevalent in many programming languages, including C, C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript. Arrays, lists, and strings in these languages typically start at index 0. This choice of indexing often simplifies certain mathematical operations and algorithms, particularly those involving modulo arithmetic or recursive definitions. For instance, in a 0-indexed array of size N, the valid indices range from 0 to N-1, which naturally aligns with calculations involving the array's length.

The rationale behind 0-indexing in computing is often linked to how data is stored and accessed in memory. In many low-level implementations, arrays are represented as contiguous blocks of memory, and the address of an element can be calculated by adding an offset to the base address of the array. Using 0-indexing simplifies this calculation, as the offset for the first element is zero.

While 0-indexing is common in programming, some mathematical fields and programming languages, like Lua and Fortran, utilize 1-indexing. The choice between 0-indexed and 1-indexed systems can sometimes lead to confusion for developers transitioning between different environments or programming paradigms. Understanding which convention is being used is crucial for correct implementation and debugging.