Access Patterns with Ranges

Ranges allow you to access segments of an array or extract slices. This is especially powerful for creating subsets of arrays.

Using Ranges

• Closed Ranges: Specify a start and end (both inclusive).

int[] slice = arr[2..4]; // Elements from index 2 to 4 (inclusive)

• One-Sided Ranges: Leave one side open to indicate "to the start" or "to the end."

int[] slice = arr[3..]; // All elements from index 3 to the end
int[] slice = arr[..2]; // All elements from the start to index 2

• Open Ranges: Open on both sides, indicating all elements.

int[] slice = arr[..]; // Equivalent to copying the whole array

Extracted Slices are Copies

When using ranges, Flint always creates a new array as a copy of the slice.