What is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?

In Python, lists and tuples are both used to store collections of items. However, they have distinct differences:

  • Mutability: Lists are mutable, meaning that their elements can be changed, added, or removed. Tuples, on the other hand, are immutable, meaning that once they are created, their elements cannot be altered.
  • Syntax: Lists are defined with square brackets, while tuples are defined with parentheses.
  • Performance: Tuples are generally faster than lists for iterations and access. This is because their immutability allows for optimizations that can improve performance.
  • Use Cases: Lists are typically used for collections of items where changes are expected, whereas tuples are used for fixed collections of items or when it is important to ensure the data cannot be modified.

Python List Tuple Difference Mutability Collections