Introduction to Tuples in Python

In Python, a tuple is an ordered collection of elements, similar to a list. However, there is one key difference: tuples are immutable. Once you create a tuple, you cannot change its contents - you can't add, remove, or modify elements. This immutability makes tuples suitable for situations where you want to ensure that the data remains constant.

Key Features of Tuples:

    Ordered: Like lists, tuples maintain the order of elements, allowing you to access and manipulate them based on their position within the tuple.

    Immutable: Tuples cannot be changed after they are created. This immutability is enforced to protect the integrity of the data.

Creating Tuples:

You can create a tuple in Python by enclosing a sequence of elements within parentheses () or by using a comma-separated sequence of values without parentheses. For example:

Python

my_tuple = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
another_tuple = 10, 20, 30

Both my_tuple and another_tuple are tuples containing integer elements.

Accessing Elements:

You can use indexing to access elements in a tuple, just like with lists. Python uses 0-based indexing. For example:

Python

first_element = my_tuple[0]    # Access the first element (1)
second_element = my_tuple[1]   # Access the second element (2)

Examples of Using Tuples:

Here are some examples of how tuples can be used in Python:

    Tuple Packing and Unpacking:

    You can pack multiple values into a single tuple and later unpack them into separate variables:

Python

coordinates = (3.5, 4.2)
x, y = coordinates  # Unpacking the tuple into variables x and y

Returning Multiple Values from Functions:

Tuples are commonly used to return multiple values from a function:

Python

def get_student_info(student_id):
    # Simulated data retrieval
    name = "John Doe"
    grade = 95
    return name, grade

student_info = get_student_info(123)
name, grade = student_info  # Unpacking the returned tuple

Immutable Dictionary Keys:

Tuples can be used as keys in dictionaries because they are immutable, unlike lists:

Python

student_grades = {('John', 'Doe'): 95, ('Alice', 'Smith'): 88}

Iterating Through Tuples:

You can iterate through a tuple using a for loop:

Python

    for item in my_tuple:
        print(item)

Tuples are a valuable data structure in Python when you need to ensure that the data remains constant and cannot be accidentally modified. They are commonly used for returning multiple values from functions, packing related data together, and working with data that should not change during the program's execution.