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Python Tuples

Learn all about Python Tuples in this comprehensive tutorial.

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  • •Tuples are used to store multiple items in a single variable.
  • •Tuple items are ordered, unchangeable, and allow duplicate values.
  • •When we say that tuples are ordered, it means that the items have a defined order, and that order will not change.
  • •Tuples are unchangeable, meaning that we cannot change, add or remove items after the tuple has been created.
  • •Since tuples are indexed, they can have items with the same value:
  • •To determine how many items a tuple has, use the len() function:
  • •To create a tuple with only one item, you have to add a comma after the item, otherwise Python will not recognize it as a tuple.
  • •Tuple items can be of any data type:
  • •From Python's perspective, tuples are defined as objects with the data type 'tuple':
  • •It is also possible to use the tuple() constructor to make a tuple.
  • •There are four collection data types in the Python programming language:

Tuple

Tuples are used to store multiple items in a single variable.

Tuple is one of 4 built-in data types in Python used to store collections of data, the other 3 are List, Set, and Dictionary, all with different qualities and usage.

A tuple is a collection which is ordered and unchangeable.

Tuples are written with round brackets.

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Tuple Items

Tuple items are ordered, unchangeable, and allow duplicate values.

Tuple items are indexed, the first item has index [0], the second item has index [1] etc.

Ordered

When we say that tuples are ordered, it means that the items have a defined order, and that order will not change.

Unchangeable

Tuples are unchangeable, meaning that we cannot change, add or remove items after the tuple has been created.

Allow Duplicates

Since tuples are indexed, they can have items with the same value:

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Tuple Length

To determine how many items a tuple has, use the len() function:

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Create Tuple With One Item

To create a tuple with only one item, you have to add a comma after the item, otherwise Python will not recognize it as a tuple.

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Tuple Items - Data Types

Tuple items can be of any data type:

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A tuple can contain different data types:

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type()

From Python's perspective, tuples are defined as objects with the data type 'tuple':

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The tuple() Constructor

It is also possible to use the tuple() constructor to make a tuple.

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Python Collections (Arrays)

There are four collection data types in the Python programming language:

  • **List** is a collection which is ordered and changeable. Allows duplicate members.
  • **Tuple** is a collection which is ordered and unchangeable. Allows duplicate members.
  • **Set** is a collection which is unordered, unchangeable*, and unindexed. No duplicate members.
  • **Dictionary** is a collection which is ordered** and changeable. No duplicate members.
Note: *Set items are unchangeable, but you can remove and/or add items whenever you like. **As of Python version 3.7, dictionaries are ordered. In Python 3.6 and earlier, dictionaries are unordered.

When choosing a collection type, it is useful to understand the properties of that type. Choosing the right type for a particular data set could mean retention of meaning, and, it could mean an increase in efficiency or security.

Module quiz

2 questions
1

Which of the following is true about Python Tuples?

2

What is the most common pitfall when working with Python Tuples?

Answer all questions to submit.

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