Tuples: immutability and use cases

🧩 Introduction to Tuples

• A tuple is a collection data type in Python, similar to a list.
• Syntax: my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
• Key difference: Tuples are immutable (cannot be changed after creation).

Example:

numbers = (10, 20, 30)
print(numbers[0])   # Output: 10

 🔒 Immutability Explained

• Immutable means once created, the tuple cannot be modified.
• You cannot:
  • Add new elements
  • Remove elements
  • Change existing elements

Example:

colors = ("red", "blue", "green")
colors[0] = "yellow"   # ❌ Error: 'tuple' object does not support item assignment

Why immutability matters:

• Safer data handling (values won’t accidentally change).
• Tuples can be used as keys in dictionaries (lists cannot).

 📊 Tuples vs Lists

 💡 Use Cases of Tuples

• Fixed collections: Storing data that should not change (e.g., coordinates).

  point = (4, 5)
  

• Dictionary keys: Tuples can be used as keys because they are immutable.

  locations = {("Paris", "France"): "Eiffel Tower"}
  

• Function returns: Returning multiple values from a function.

  def divide(a, b):
      return a // b, a % b
  
  quotient, remainder = divide(10, 3)