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Python Data Structures at a Glance

The document provides an overview of Python's core data structures, including lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets, arrays, and strings, highlighting their key properties and ideal use cases. Lists are mutable and flexible, tuples are immutable and efficient, dictionaries offer fast key-based access, and sets ensure uniqueness. The document also includes a quick selection guide to help choose the appropriate structure for specific needs.

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MUKUL CHAUHAN
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2 views

Python Data Structures at a Glance

The document provides an overview of Python's core data structures, including lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets, arrays, and strings, highlighting their key properties and ideal use cases. Lists are mutable and flexible, tuples are immutable and efficient, dictionaries offer fast key-based access, and sets ensure uniqueness. The document also includes a quick selection guide to help choose the appropriate structure for specific needs.

Uploaded by

MUKUL CHAUHAN
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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# **Python Data Structures at a Glance**

## **Core Collections Overview**

### **1. Lists - Flexible Ordered Sequences**


- Changeable, index-based collections
- Handles mixed data types seamlessly
- Built-in methods for dynamic modifications
- Ideal for: Data that needs frequent changes

```python
shopping = ["apples", 42, True]
shopping.append("oranges") # Adds new item
```

### **2. Tuples - Fixed Data Containers**


- Unchangeable once created
- Lightweight and memory efficient
- Perfect for: Constant values like coordinates

```python
dimensions = (1920, 1080)
width, height = dimensions # Easy unpacking
```

### **3. Dictionaries - Key-Based Storage**


- Rapid lookup by unique keys
- Maintains insertion order (Python 3.7+)
- Excellent for: Structured record keeping

```python
user = {"name": "Alex", "posts": 42}
print(user["name"]) # Fast access
```

### **4. Sets - Unique Element Collections**


- Automatically removes duplicates
- Optimized for membership testing
- Great for: Finding distinct values

```python
tags = {"python", "coding", "tutorial", "python"}
print(tags) # {'python', 'coding', 'tutorial'}
```
## **Specialized Types**

### **5. Arrays - Compact Numeric Storage**


- Single data type requirement
- More efficient than lists for numbers
- Useful when: Working with large numeric datasets

```python
from array import array
temps = array('f', [22.5, 18.0, 30.2])
```

### **6. Strings - Immutable Text**


- Character sequences with rich methods
- Supports pattern matching
- Essential for: All text processing

```python
greeting = "Hello World!"
print(greeting.upper()) # "HELLO WORLD!"
```

## **Quick Selection Guide**

| Structure | Best For | Key Property |


|---------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------|
| **List** | Changing collections | Mutable, ordered |
| **Tuple** | Unchanging data | Immutable, fast |
| **Dictionary**| Key-based access | O(1) lookup |
| **Set** | Unique items | Automatic deduplication |
| **Array** | Numeric efficiency | Type-constrained |
| **String** | Text manipulation | Immutable sequence |

**Pro Tip:** Choose lists for flexibility, tuples for safety, dictionaries for quick lookups, and sets
for uniqueness. Arrays optimize numeric work, while strings handle all text needs.

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