3.9 Vectors

A vector is a fixed-length array of arbitrary values. Unlike a list, a vector supports constant-time access and update of its elements.

A vector prints similar to a list – as a parenthesized sequence of its elements – but a vector is prefixed with #. For a vector as an expression, an optional length can be supplied. Also, a vector as an expression implicitly quotes the forms for its content, which means that identifiers and parenthesized forms in a vector constant represent symbols and lists.

Reading Vectors in Reference: PLT Scheme documents the fine points of the syntax of vectors.

Examples:

> #("a" "b" "c")

#("a" "b" "c")

> #(name (that tune))

#(name (that tune))

> (vector-ref #("a" "b" "c") 1)

"b"

> (vector-ref #(name (that tune)) 1)

(that tune)

Like strings, a vector is either mutable or immutable, and vectors written directly as expressions are immutable.

Vector can be converted to lists and vice-versa via list->vector and vector->list; such conversions are particularly useful in combination with predefined procedures on lists. When allocating extra lists seems too expensive, consider using looping forms like fold-for, which recognize vectors as well as lists.

Examples:

> (list->vector (map string-titlecase                        (vector->list #("three" "blind" "mice"))))

#("Three" "Blind" "Mice")

Vectors in Reference: PLT Scheme provides more on vectors and vector procedures.