Python Tuples
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mytuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
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Tuple
>My zigTuples are used to store multiple items in a single variable.
>My zigTuple 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.
>My zigA tuple is a collection which is ordered and unchangeable.
>My zigTuples are written with round brackets.
>My zigExample
Create a Tuple:
thistuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(thistuple)
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Tuple Items
>My zigTuple items are ordered, unchangeable, and allow duplicate values.
>My zigTuple items are indexed, the first item has index [0], the second item has
index [1] etc.
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Ordered
>My zigWhen we say that tuples are ordered, it means that the items have a defined order, and that order will not change.
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Unchangeable
>My zigTuples are unchangeable, meaning that we cannot change, add or remove items after the tuple has been created.
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Allow Duplicates
Since tuples are indexed, they can have items with the same value:
Example
Tuples allow duplicate values:
thistuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry", "apple", "cherry")
print(thistuple)
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Tuple Length
>My zigTo determine how many items a tuple has, use the
len() function:
Example
Print the number of items in the tuple:
thistuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(len(thistuple))
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Create Tuple With One Item
>My zigTo 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.
Example
One item tuple, remember the comma:
thistuple = ("apple",)
print(type(thistuple))
#NOT a tuple
thistuple = ("apple")
print(type(thistuple))
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it Yourself »
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Tuple Items - Data Types
>My zigTuple items can be of any data type:
>My zigExample
String, int and boolean data types:
tuple1 = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
tuple2 = (1, 5, 7, 9, 3)
tuple3 = (True, False, False)
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it Yourself »
A tuple can contain different data types:
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A tuple with strings, integers and boolean values:
tuple1 = ("abc", 34, True, 40, "male")
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type()
>My zigFrom Python's perspective, tuples are defined as objects with the data type 'tuple':
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<class 'tuple'>
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Example
What is the data type of a tuple?
mytuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(type(mytuple))
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The tuple() Constructor
It is also possible to use the tuple() constructor to make a tuple.
>My zigExample
Using the tuple() method to make a tuple:
thistuple = tuple(("apple", "banana", "cherry")) # note the double round-brackets
print(thistuple)
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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.
*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.
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