What is the difference between lists and tuples?
Lists and tuples are both data structures in Python that store collections of items. However, they have key differences in their functionality and usage.
Lists are mutable, meaning their contents can be changed after creation. You can add, remove, or modify elements in a list. Lists are defined using square brackets ([]), and they are more flexible, making them suitable for collections of items that may need updating. For example:
my_list = [1, 2, 3] my_list[1] = 5 # Changes the second element to 5
Tuples, on the other hand, are immutable, meaning their contents cannot be changed once created. They are defined using parentheses (()), and their immutability makes them faster and more secure for fixed data collections. For example:
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3) # my_tuple[1] = 5 # This would raise an error
When to use which? Use lists when you need to modify the data, such as in dynamic collections. Use tuples for static collections or when you want to ensure data integrity.
To deepen your understanding of Python’s data structures, consider exploring a Python course for beginners, which provides a solid foundation for programming.
