In computer programming, what do we call a collection of data values of the same type that share a single common name?

Introduction / Context:
Most programming languages provide a way to group related values together so that they can be processed efficiently. When many values share the same type, such as a list of integers or a list of characters, it is convenient to store them under one common name and access individual elements by position. This structure is fundamental in algorithms, data processing and problem solving. The question tests your understanding of the basic term used for this ordered collection in many programming languages, including C, C++, Java and others.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The collection holds multiple data values.
• All values in the collection are of the same data type, such as all integers or all characters.
• The collection uses a single common name in the program.
• Individual elements are usually accessed by index or position.
• The options list several general programming related terms.

Concept / Approach:
The standard term for a linear collection of elements of the same type that share a common name and are accessed by index is array. An array is defined with a type, a name and a size, and the elements are stored in contiguous memory locations. Objects represent instances of classes and can hold different types of data and behaviour. A string is typically a sequence of characters, often represented internally by an array, but the concept is narrower. Numbers is too vague and not the name of a structure. Record is used in some languages to describe a composite type with fields of possibly different types. Therefore, the term that exactly matches the description in the question is array.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key features mentioned: collection, same type and common name.Step 2: Recall that an array stores many elements of the same type under one declared name.Step 3: Understand that elements of an array are usually accessed using an index, such as a[0], a[1] and so on.Step 4: Compare this with an object, which is an instance of a class and not necessarily a uniform collection.Step 5: Note that a string is a sequence of characters and can be considered an array in some languages, but the general concept for any type is array.Step 6: Choose array as the correct term that fits all aspects of the definition.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of a simple program that needs to store the marks of 50 students. Without arrays, you would have to create 50 separate variables, which is not practical. With an array, you declare something like int marks[50], giving a single name for all marks. Then you access each mark using an index, for example marks[0] or marks[49]. This pattern appears in nearly every introductory programming textbook and is always described as using an array. None of the other terms in the options are used in this fundamental way in basic programming lessons, which verifies that array is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Object refers to an instance of a class in object oriented languages and can contain many different types of fields, not necessarily a uniform collection of values.
• String is a specific type of sequence, usually of characters, and does not represent the general case for any data type.
• Numbers is not a technical term for a data structure; it only describes a category of values.
• Record describes a composite data type with several named fields that may have different types, not a sequence of identical elements.

Common Pitfalls:
New programmers sometimes confuse arrays with objects or records because all can group data. However, arrays are specifically about sequences of items of the same type addressed by index, while objects and records group named fields that can have different types. Another pitfall is to think that strings are a completely separate concept. In many languages, strings are implemented as arrays of characters, which reinforces the central role played by arrays in programming. Remembering this clear definition will help you answer many similar conceptual questions.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Array, which is a collection of data values of the same type having a common name in programming.