Python Tuples

Definition: A tuple is an ordered collection like a list, but it cannot be changed after it is created. It is written with round brackets ( ).

point = (4, 5)
print(point)
print(point[0])   # 4

List vs tuple — when to use which

• List [ ] — data that may change (add/remove/edit)
• Tuple ( ) — fixed data that should never change, like coordinates or weekdays

Example 1 — tuples are read-only

colors = ("red", "green", "blue")
print(colors[1])   # green
print(len(colors)) # 3
# colors[0] = "yellow"   # this line would cause an error

Example 2 — unpacking a tuple

Split a tuple into separate variables in one line:

person = ("Sam", 25)
name, age = person
print(name)   # Sam
print(age)    # 25

Example 3 — returning several values

Functions often return a tuple to give back more than one value (you will see this later).

coords = (10, 20)
x, y = coords
print("x is", x, "and y is", y)

💡 Why tuples? Because they cannot change, they are safer for constants and slightly faster than lists.