Difference between tuple and list in Python
In this article, you will learn the difference between a tuple and a list in Python. The difference between a tuple and a list is that tuple stores heterogeneous data while the list stores homogeneous data.
Python List
A list is a sequence of indexed and ordered values like an array. It is mutable, which means we can change the order of elements in a list. So, we should use a list if the contents of the sequence may change. It contains a list of any type of data objects with a comma separated and enclosed within a square bracket. Each element of the list has an index, starting with 0 , 1 and so on. Here is the format of a list.
[expr1, expr2, ...]
The zero or more values of the list are enclosed within square brackets [...].
Example of Python list
>>> list = [23, 10, "Test", 13]
>>> print list
[23, 10, 'Test', 13]
Python Tuple
A tuple is a sequence. In Python, tuples work exactly like a list except tuples are immutable, which means they cannot be changed in place. The tuples are written inside parentheses. The tuple length is always fixed. To create a single element in a tuple, write that element in parenthesis with a comma.
tu1 = (60,)
tup1 = (22, 44, 55, 12 )
Difference Between Tuple and List in Python
List | Tuple |
List is mutable. It can be changed or modified after its creation according to needs. | Tuple is immutable. It can't be changed or modified after its creation. |
Iteration is slower and time-consuming. | Iteration is comparatively faster and less time-consuming. The processing is faster than list. |
It consumes more memory. | It consumes less memory. |
It is useful for performing operations, like- addition, deletion. | This data type is suitable for accessing elements. |
It has many in-built methods. | It provides less in-built methods. We can use dir([object]) inbuilt function to get all the associated functions for list and tuple. |
Lists play an effective role in small projects. | Tuple is easy to debug even in major projects. |
Lists are commonly enclosed with the square bracket []. | Tuples are enclosed with parenthesis (). |
Difference between list and tuple in python with examples
Syntax difference
The syntax of list and tuple is slightly different. Lists are created using square brackets [] and Tuples are created using parenthesis ().
list_num = [21,43,52,23]
tup_num = (52,53,13,23)
print(list_num)
print(tup_num)
Size comparison
Lists operation has larger size than that of tuple; that's why it is a bit slower. The following example demonstrates this.
list_num = [22,13,42,14,53,51]
tuple_num = (22,13,42,14,53,51)
print('list_num = ',list_num.__sizeof__())
print('tuple_num = ',tuple_num.__sizeof__())
Output of the above code -
list_num = 88
tuple_num = 72
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