Step 1: Understand what an array is. An array is a collection of items stored at contiguous memory locations.
Step 2: Learn about indices. Each item in an array can be accessed using an index, which is a number that represents the item's position in the array.
Step 3: Know what random access means. Random access means you can directly access any item in the array without having to go through other items first.
Step 4: Compare arrays to linked lists. In a linked list, you have to start from the beginning and follow the links to get to a specific item, which is slower than accessing an item in an array using its index.
Step 5: Conclude that the ability to access elements directly using indices is a key feature of arrays that makes them different from linked lists.