Python Lists vs Tuples

In Python, both lists and tuples are used to store multiple items in a single variable. However, they have some key differences in terms of mutability, syntax, and usage. Let's explore these differences in detail.

Definition

Lists: A list is a collection of items that are ordered, changeable, and allows duplicate elements. Lists are defined using square brackets [].
Tuples: A tuple is a collection of items that are ordered, unchangeable (immutable), and allows duplicate elements. Tuples are defined using parentheses ().

Comparison Table: Lists vs Tuples

Feature	Lists	Tuples
Syntax	Defined using `[]`	Defined using `()`
Mutability	Mutable (can be modified)	Immutable (cannot be modified)
Methods	Supports many built-in methods like `append()`, `remove()`, etc.	Supports only a few methods like `count()`, `index()`
Memory Usage	Consumes more memory	Consumes less memory
Performance	Slower due to mutability	Faster due to immutability
Use Case	Best for collections of items that can change	Best for collections of items that should not change

Example 1: Creating a List


# Example: Creating a List
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print("List:", my_list)

Output

List: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Example 2: Creating a Tuple


# Example: Creating a Tuple
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
print("Tuple:", my_tuple)

Output

Tuple: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Let's see the difference in mutability between lists and tuples. We will try to modify both a list and a tuple.

Example 3: List vs Tuple Mutability


# Example: List vs Tuple Mutability
# Modifying a List
my_list = [10, 20, 30]
my_list[0] = 100
print("Modified List:", my_list)

# Trying to modify a Tuple
my_tuple = (10, 20, 30)
try:
    my_tuple[0] = 100
except TypeError as e:
    print("Error:", e)

Output

Modified List: [100, 20, 30] Error: 'tuple' object does not support item assignment

Example 4: List Methods


# Example: Using List Methods
fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']
fruits.append('orange')
print("List after append:", fruits)

Output

List after append: ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'orange']

Example 5: Tuple Methods


# Example: Using Tuple Methods
numbers = (1, 2, 2, 3)
count_of_twos = numbers.count(2)
index_of_three = numbers.index(3)
print("Count of 2:", count_of_twos)
print("Index of 3:", index_of_three)

Output

Count of 2: 2 Index of 3: 3

In summary, lists and tuples in Python are similar in many ways but differ in terms of mutability and performance. Use lists when you need a collection of items that can be modified, while tuples are best suited for collections that should remain unchanged. Understanding the differences between these two data structures will help you write more efficient and readable Python code.