> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://eleven-fifty-academy.gitbook.io/javascript-152-objects-arrays/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://eleven-fifty-academy.gitbook.io/javascript-152-objects-arrays/05-arrays/array-basics/creating-an-array.md).

# Creating an Array

To create an array we use something called **bracket syntax**. It's more formally known as an **array literal** or **array initializer** and looks like this:

```javascript
var arr = [element0, element1, ..., elementN];
```

`elementN` is the list of values for the array's elements.

We'll use an example of an employee list to cover some basic things regarding arrays.

```javascript
var emp = [];
emp[0] = 'Joe King';
emp[1] = 'Amanda Huggenkiss';
emp[2] = 'Justin Thyme';
console.log(emp);
```

Your console window should look like this:

```javascript
[ 'Joe King', 'Amanda Huggenkiss', 'Justin Thyme' ]
```

Let's discuss the parts of our array:

* **array name** - `emp`
* **elements** - `emp[0]`, `emp[1]`, and `emp[2]`
* **element values** - `'Joe King'`, `'Amanda Huggenkiss'`, and `'Justin Thyme'`

Fun fact: We could have populated our array at the same time we created it!

```javascript
var emp = ['Joe King', 'Amanda Huggenkiss', 'Justin Thyme'];
console.log(emp);
```