techmore.in

Python - Tuple

What are Tuples?

A tuple is a collection of ordered and immutable elements in Python. Tuples are similar to lists, but unlike lists, they cannot be changed (i.e., they are immutable).

Why Tuples?

  • Immutability ensures data integrity.
  • Faster than lists due to their fixed size.
  • Used as keys in dictionaries because they are hashable.
  • Preferred for fixed-size data, like coordinates (x, y).

How to Define Tuples

python
# Creating tuples empty_tuple = () single_item = (42,) fruits = ('apple', 'banana', 'cherry') mixed = (1, 2.5, 'hello')

Accessing Tuple Elements

Tuples support indexing and slicing, just like lists.

python
fruits = ('apple', 'banana', 'cherry') print(fruits[0]) # Output: apple print(fruits[-1]) # Output: cherry print(fruits[1:]) # Output: ('banana', 'cherry')

Tuple Unpacking

python
point = (10, 20) x, y = point print(x) # 10 print(y) # 20

Tuple Methods

Tuples support a limited set of methods:

  • count() - Returns the number of times a value appears
  • index() - Returns the first index of a value
python
nums = (1, 2, 2, 3) print(nums.count(2)) # 2 print(nums.index(3)) # 3

When to Use Tuples?

  • When you want to ensure data cannot be changed.
  • For returning multiple values from functions.
  • To use fixed keys in a dictionary.

Pros

  • Immutable — safer and reliable.
  • Faster than lists.
  • Can be used as dictionary keys.

Cons

  • Cannot be modified after creation.
  • Fewer built-in methods compared to lists.