Difference Between Lists And Tuple In Python (With Charts)

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What Are Lists In Python?

A list is a data structure in Python that is a mutable or changeable, ordered sequence of elements. Each element or value that is inside a list is called an item.  Lists are mutable. This means that you can modify a list after it has been initialized i.e you can add, update or even delete items in a list. Just as strings are defined as characters between quotes, lists are defined by having values between square brackets [ ].  

Lists are great to use when you want to work with many related values. They enable you to keep data together that belong together, condense your code and perform the same methods and operations on multiple values at once.  Lists are great for storing a collection of value objects. Generally, Lists are homogenous sequences. Lists can be used to store records for multiple employees where each employee record is a Tuple.

What You Need To Know About Lists

  1. Lists are mutable. This means that you can modify a list after it has been initialized i.e you can add, update or even delete items in a list.
  2. Lists are supported by various built-in methods (append, insert, remove etc).
  3. Lists are surrounded by square brackets [  ].
  4. Due to more operations, List iteration is slower and is time consuming.
  5.  The unexpected changes and errors are more likely to occur in lists.
  6. List is useful for insertion and deletion operations.
  7. Lists consume a lot of memory due to built-in operations.
  8. Lists are great for storing a collection of value objects.

What Are Tuples In Python?

A tuple is a collection of objects which are ordered and immutable. Tuples are sequences, just like lists. A tuple is created by placing all items (elements) inside parentheses (), separated by commas.  The parentheses are optional; however, it is a good practice to use them. A tuple can have any number of items and they may be different types (integer, float, list, string etc). Tuples are also immutable. You cannot change the items in a Tuple once it has been created.

Tuples are good for defining and creating value objects. Generally, Tuples are heterogeneous data structures so they can be used to create records containing different type of associated information e.g employee data. 

What You Need To Know About Tuples

  1. Tuples are immutable. You cannot change the items in a Tuple once it has been created.
  2. There are less in-built methods available in Tuple. This saves some memory.
  3. Tuples are surrounded by parenthesis ( ).
  4. Due to lesser operations, Tuple iterations are fairly faster.
  5. Tuple operations are safe less likely to experience unexpected changes and errors.
  6. Tuple is useful for read-only operations like accessing elements.
  7. Tuple consumes less memory due to less built-in operations.
  8. Tuples are good for defining and creating value objects.

Difference Between Lists And Tuple In Tabular Form

BASIS OF COMPARISON LISTS TUPLE S
Effecting Changes Lists are mutable. Tuples are immutable.
Built-In Methods Lists are supported by various built-in methods (append, insert, remove etc).   There are less in-built methods available in Tuple.
Creation Lists are created by square brackets [  ].   Tuples are created by parenthesis ( ).  
Iterations Due to more operations, List iteration is slower and is time consuming.   Due to lesser operations, Tuple iterations are fairly faster.  
Changes & Errors The unexpected changes and errors are more likely to occur in lists.   Tuple operations are safe less likely to experience unexpected changes and errors.  
Usefulness List is useful for insertion and deletion operations.   Tuple is useful for read-only operations like accessing elements.  
Memory Lists consume a lot of memory due to built-in operations.   Tuple consumes less memory due to less built-in operations.  
Role Lists are great for storing a collection of value objects. Tuples are good for defining and creating value objects.