Python Tutorials · Python Reference

Python Set Methods

Learn all about Python Set Methods in this comprehensive tutorial.

5 min read beginner
  • Python has a set of built-in methods that you can use on sets.

Introduction

Python has a set of built-in methods that you can use on sets.

MethodShortcutDescription
add()Adds an element to the set
clear()Removes all the elements from the set
copy()Returns a copy of the set
difference()-Returns a set containing the difference between two or more sets
difference_update()-=Removes the items in this set that are also included in another, specified set
discard()Remove the specified item
intersection()&Returns a set, that is the intersection of two other sets
intersection_update()&=Removes the items in this set that are not present in other, specified set(s)
isdisjoint()Returns whether two sets have a intersection or not
issubset()<=Returns True if all items of this set is present in another set
<Returns True if all items of this set is present in another, larger set
issuperset()>=Returns True if all items of another set is present in this set
>Returns True if all items of another, smaller set is present in this set
pop()Removes an element from the set
remove()Removes the specified element
symmetric_difference()^Returns a set with the symmetric differences of two sets
symmetric_difference_update()^=Inserts the symmetric differences from this set and another
union()|Return a set containing the union of sets
update()|=Update the set with the union of this set and others

Learn more about sets in our Python Sets Tutorial.

Module quiz

2 questions
1

Which of the following is true about Python Set Methods?

2

What is the most common pitfall when working with Python Set Methods?

Answer all questions to submit.