Tuples in TypeScript let you create arrays with a fixed number of elements, where each element can have a different, specific type. This is different from regular arrays, which can hold any number of elements of a single type. The syntax for a tuple uses square brackets, listing the types of each element in order. For example, a tuple that holds a string and a number would be written as [string, number]. Tuples are especially useful when you need to represent a structured group of values, such as a pair of coordinates or a result with a value and a status.

While both arrays and tuples use similar syntax, they serve different purposes. Arrays are best when you need a list of items of the same type, such as a list of numbers or strings. Tuples, on the other hand, are best for representing a fixed collection of values with known types and order. For example, use a tuple when you want to return multiple values from a function, or when you need to store pairs or triples of different types. If the number of elements or their types might change, use an array instead.