Question

Why is an array called derived data type?

Answer 1

An array is a derived data type because it cannot be defined on its own, it is a collection of basic data types usually, such as integers, doubles, floats, booleans, etc. In object oriented languages you can have your own class which can be the basis of an array.

Answer 2

Derived data types are the data types which are derived from the fundamental data types. Arrays refer to a list of finite number of same data types. The data can be accessed by an index number from 0 to n. Hence an array is derived from the basic date type, so array is called derived data type.