In JavaScript, if an array named names contains three elements, how can you print the third element of this array?

Introduction / Context:
Array indexing is a fundamental concept in JavaScript programming. JavaScript arrays are zero based, which means the first element is at index 0, the second at index 1, and so on. This question checks whether you can correctly translate that rule into practice when accessing and printing the third element of an array named names.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The array is named names.
• The array contains exactly three elements.
• We want to access the third element, not the first or second.
• JavaScript uses square brackets for array indexing.

Concept / Approach:
Because JavaScript arrays are zero based, the first element is names[0], the second is names[1], and the third is names[2]. You can print an element using functions such as console log in a browser or Node JS environment. The important part is the index value; for the third element, the index must be 2. Any code or description that uses an index of 3 for the third element is incorrect in standard zero based arrays.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Map positions to indexes in a zero based array: first element to index 0, second element to index 1, third element to index 2. Step 2: Identify that the question asks specifically for the third element. Step 3: Determine that the correct index is 2, so you must use names[2]. Step 4: Recognize that printing can be done using console log names[2] or alert names[2], as long as names[2] is the accessed value.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by constructing a simple example such as var names equals array Alice, Bob, Carol. In that case, names[0] is Alice, names[1] is Bob, and names[2] is Carol. If you want Carol, you must use names[2]. Trying names[3] would give undefined because there is no fourth element. This confirms that the third element is correctly accessed via index 2.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because it assumes array indexes start at 1, which is not true in JavaScript. Option C is incorrect because JavaScript uses square brackets, not parentheses, for indexing. Option D is wrong for both the index and the statement that arrays can only print a specific position. Option E is clearly incorrect because arrays can be accessed by index using the bracket notation in JavaScript.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is off by one errors when working with zero based indexing, especially for developers coming from environments that use one based indexing. Another mistake is confusing function calls with array indexing and using parentheses instead of brackets. Remembering that JavaScript arrays start at index 0 and always use square brackets for indexing helps avoid many logic errors in loops and element access.

Final Answer:
Use names[2] to access the third element and then print it, for example with console log names[2]