Python Tuples

What is a Tuple in Python?

A tuple is an ordered, immutable collection of items. Tuples are defined using parentheses () and can store elements of different data types.

Tuple Syntax:

my_tuple = (item1, item2, item3)

You can also create a tuple without parentheses (optional):

my_tuple = 1, 2, 3

Example: Create a Tuple

person = ("Alice", 30, "Engineer")
print(person)

Output:

('Alice', 30, 'Engineer')

Tuple with One Element

For a single-element tuple, you must use a comma:

single = (5,)
print(type(single))

Output:

<class 'tuple'>

Without the comma, it's just an integer:

not_tuple = (5)
print(type(not_tuple))

Output:

<class 'int'>

Access Tuple Elements (Indexing & Slicing)

t = (10, 20, 30, 40)

print(t[0])     # 10
print(t[-1])    # 40
print(t[1:3])   # (20, 30)

Tuple is Immutable

You cannot modify a tuple after it's created.

t = (1, 2, 3)
# t[0] = 100  This will raise an error

Output:

TypeError: 'tuple' object does not support item assignment

Loop Through a Tuple

for item in t:
    print(item)

Output:

1
2
3

Tuple Methods (Only Two)

1. count(value)

t = (1, 2, 2, 3, 2)
print(t.count(2))  # 3

2. index(value)

print(t.index(3))  # 3 (first occurrence)

Difference Between List and Tuple in Python

When to Use Tuples?

• When the data should not be modified (immutability)
• As dictionary keys (since they are hashable)
• For performance optimization in large data sets

Nested Tuples

nested = (1, (2, 3), (4, 5))
print(nested[1][1])  # 3