Ways to Print an Array in C++

Last Updated : 22 Oct, 2026

An array stores multiple elements of the same data type in contiguous memory locations. We can print array elements using loops, recursion, iterators, or STL algorithms. Each approach provides a different way to access and display the elements.

  • Loops allow sequential traversal using indices or direct element access.
  • Recursion prints elements through repeated function calls.
  • STL algorithms provide built-in operations for traversing and printing arrays.

Example

Input: arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50}
Output: 10 20 30 40 50

Ways to Print an Array in C++

There are several ways to print an array in C++. The following methods demonstrate how to traverse and display its elements.

1. Using for Loop

A for loop is a simple way to print array elements. It accesses each element using its index, starting from 0 to n - 1.

C++ 
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main(){
    
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
    int n = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);

    // Print array elements using for loop
    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++){
        cout << arr[i] << " ";
    }

    return 0;
}

Output
10 20 30 40 50

Explanation: The loop starts at index 0 and prints each element using arr[i] until the last element is reached.

2. Using while Loop

A while loop prints array elements by repeatedly accessing them until the index reaches the array size.

C++ 
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main(){
    
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
    int n = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);
    int i = 0;

    // Print elements using while loop
    while (i < n) {
        cout << arr[i] << " ";
        i++;
    }

    return 0;
}

Output
10 20 30 40 50

Explanation: The loop prints the current element and increments the index until all elements are displayed.

3. Using Range-Based for Loop

A range-based for loop, introduced in C++11, allows direct access to array elements without manually managing indices.

C++ 
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main(){
    
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

    // Print using range-based for loop
    for (int x : arr) {
        cout << x << " ";
    }

    return 0;
}

Output
10 20 30 40 50

Explanation: The range-based for loop automatically traverses the array and prints each element.

4. Using Recursion

Recursion is a technique in which a function calls itself to solve a problem. To print an array recursively, the function prints the current element and calls itself for the next index until all elements are printed.

C++ 
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

// Recursive function to print array
void printArray(int arr[], int n, int index){
    
    // Base condition
    if (index == n)
        return;

    // Print current element
    cout << arr[index] << " ";

    // Recursive call for next element
    printArray(arr, n, index + 1);
}

int main(){
    
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
    int n = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);

    // Start recursion from index 0
    printArray(arr, n, 0);

    return 0;
}

Output
10 20 30 40 50

Explanation: The function prints the element at the current index and recursively moves to the next index. Recursion stops when index == n.

5. Using Iterators

The begin() and end() functions provide iterators pointing to the first element and one position past the last element of an array, respectively.

C++ 
#include <iostream>
#include <iterator>
using namespace std;

int main(){
    
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

    // Traverse array using iterators
    for (auto it = begin(arr); it != end(arr); ++it) {
        cout << *it << " ";
    }

    return 0;
}

Output
10 20 30 40 50

Explanation: The iterator moves through the array, and the dereference operator * accesses each element.

6. Using for_each() Function

The for_each() algorithm from the <algorithm> header applies a specified operation to every element in a range. We can use a lambda expression to print each element.

C++ 
#include <iostream>
#include <algorithm>
#include <iterator>
using namespace std;

int main(){
    
    int arr[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};

    // Print elements using for_each()
    for_each(begin(arr), end(arr), [](int x) {
        cout << x << " ";
    });

    return 0;
}

Output
10 20 30 40 50

Explanation: The for_each() algorithm executes the lambda expression for every array element, printing its value.

Which Method Should You Use?

  • Use a for loop when array indices are required.
  • Use a while loop when traversal depends on a condition.
  • Use a range-based for loop for simple and readable traversal.
  • Use recursion when implementing recursive algorithms, keeping in mind the additional stack space.
  • Use iterators when working with iterator-based operations.
  • Use for_each() when applying an operation to every element.
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