Tuples in Python

 

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Tuples in Python

Tuples are a built-in data structure in Python that are similar to lists but with some key differences. A tuple is an immutable, ordered collection of items.

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Creating Tuples

Tuples can be created by placing a sequence of values separated by commas within parentheses ().

# Creating a tuple
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
print(my_tuple)  # Output: (1, 2, 3)

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Tuple Packing and Unpacking

Tuples allow for packing and unpacking of values.

# Tuple packing
packed_tuple = ('a', 'b', 'c')

# Tuple unpacking
x, y, z = packed_tuple
print(x, y, z)  # Output: a b c

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Accessing Tuple Elements

Tuple elements can be accessed using indexing, similar to lists. Indexing starts at 0.

# Accessing elements in a tuple
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
print(my_tuple[0])  # Output: 1

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Immutability

One of the defining features of tuples is their immutability. Once a tuple is created, its elements cannot be changed, added, or removed.

# Attempting to change a tuple element will result in an error
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
# my_tuple[0] = 4  # This will raise a TypeError

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Creating a Tuple with One Item

To create a tuple with a single item, include a comma after the item.

# Single item tuple
single_item_tuple = (1,)
print(single_item_tuple)  # Output: (1,)