Zero-Indexed

Zero-Indexed image
Zero-indexed means the ordering starts at zero. A zero-indexed array starts counting positions from 0 instead of 1 so in the array ["a", "b", "c"], "a" is at index 0, "b" at index 1 and "c" at index 2.

Because developers know that arrays (list) count from zero, a common bug can occur from the requirement to “select the 3rd item in the list” where an API uses zero-indexed positions. This is another example of an assumption that technical development teams might make, which is likely to differ from users expectations of the system under test.
Explore MoT
Test Forward 2027 · Software Quality in the age of AI image
Tue, 19 Jan 2027
Test Forward is one afternoon at Station F with the QA and engineering people closing that gap in their own teams.
MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate image
Boost your career in software testing with the MoT Software Testing Essentials Certificate. Learn essential skills, from basic testing techniques to advanced risk analysis, crafted by industry experts.
This Week in Quality image
Debrief the week in Quality via a community radio show hosted by Simon Tomes and members of the community
Subscribe to our newsletter