Tuples

What Are Tuples?

  • Tuples are used to store multiple items in a single variable. They are one of Python's built-in data types, alongside lists, sets, and dictionaries.

Creating a Tuple:

  • Tuples are created using round brackets ().

    python
    mytuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(mytuple)
    • Output: ('apple', 'banana', 'cherry')

Properties of Tuples:

  • Ordered: Items have a defined order that will not change.
  • Unchangeable: Tuples are immutable; you cannot change, add, or remove items after the tuple is created.
  • Allow Duplicates: Tuples can have items with the same value.
  • Indexed: Items can be accessed using their index, starting from 0.

Examples:

  • Tuples with Duplicates:

    python
    thistuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry", "apple", "cherry")
print(thistuple)
    • Output: ('apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'apple', 'cherry')
  • Tuple Length:

    • Use the len() function to find the number of items.

      python
      thistuple = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(len(thistuple))
      • Output:  3
  • Single Item Tuple:

    • Add a comma after the item to create a tuple with one item.

      python
      thistuple = ("apple",)
print(type(thistuple))  

# NOT a tuple
thistuple = ("apple")
print(type(thistuple))
      • Output: <class 'tuple'>
      • Output: <class 'str'>

Accessing Items:

  • Access items using their index:

    python
    tuple1 = (14, 52, 17, 24)
print(tuple1[1])  
print(tuple1[3])
    • Output: 52
    • Output: 24

Iterating Over Items:

  • Use a for loop to iterate over items in a tuple:

    python
    tuple1 = (14, 52, 17, 24)
for item in tuple1:
    print(item)

    • Output:

      14
52
17
24

Tuple Methods:

  • Tuples have two methods:
    • count(): Returns the number of times a specified value occurs in a tuple.
    • index(): Searches the tuple for a specified value and returns the position of where it was found.

Exercises:

  1. Create and Print a Tuple:

    • Create a tuple of your favorite fruits and print it.

      python
      fruits = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(fruits)
      • Output: ('apple', 'banana', 'cherry')
  2. Access and Print Items:

    • Access and print the first and last items of the tuple.

      python
      fruits = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
print(fruits[0])   
print(fruits[-1])
      • Output: apple
      • Output: cherry
  3. Iterate Over a Tuple:

    • Write a program to iterate over a tuple and print each item.

      python
      fruits = ("apple", "banana", "cherry")
for fruit in fruits:
    print(fruit)

    • Output:

      apple
banana
cherry

Summary:

  • Tuples are ordered and immutable collections that can store multiple items in a single variable. They allow duplicate values and can contain items of different data types. Practice creating, accessing, and iterating over tuples to understand their properties and uses!