What is a Tuple?

A tuple is a Python data structure that is a sequence of elements. It is a very versatile type of object, and while being similar to a list, it has certain differences that make it distinctive. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of the tuple and how it differs from a list.

Using Tuples in Python

Tuple objects are represented using the parentheses, such as (1, 2, 3). Tuples are immutable, which means that their contents cannot be changed. Tuples can contain any sequence of items, including other tuples, and are most often used to store data that will never change. For instance, you may use a tuple to define static data such as a list of countries or states.

Tuples can be indexed like lists, meaning you can use negative numbers to start at the end of the sequence and work backwards. For example, if your tuple had 20 elements, you could access the third item from the end with the command tup[-3].

Differences Between Lists and Tuples

The main difference between lists and tuples is the fact that tuples are immutable and lists are mutable. This means you cannot change a tuple once it has been created, but you can add, remove, and modify elements within a list.

In terms of performance, tuples are more efficient than lists, which means they are generally faster and more memory efficient. Tuples can also be used as keys in dictionaries, while lists cannot. This is because dictionaries require keys to be of an immutable type.

Conclusion

Tuples are a very powerful and useful data structure in Python. They are immutable, efficient, and can be used as dictionary keys. Tuples can also be indexed like lists, allowing you to access elements from the beginning or end of the sequence. Understanding the differences between tuples and lists will help you decide which type of data structure to use for your particular application.