What Is a Tuple?
A tuple is an ordered collection, just like a list — but immutable, meaning once created, it cannot be changed. Tuples are written with parentheses () instead of square brackets.
point = (28.70, 77.13)
colors = ("red", "green", "blue")
Creating a Tuple
single = (5,) # note the comma — required for a single-item tuple
empty = ()
mixed = (1, "two", 3.0)
no_parens = 1, 2, 3 # parentheses are optional
Accessing Tuple Items
colors = ("red", "green", "blue")
print(colors[0]) # red
print(colors[-1]) # blue
print(colors[0:2]) # ('red', 'green')
Why Tuples Are Immutable
colors = ("red", "green", "blue")
colors[0] = "yellow" # ❌ TypeError: 'tuple' object does not support item assignment
Once created, you cannot add, remove, or change items in a tuple. If you need a "modified" version, you create a new tuple.
Tuple Methods
numbers = (1, 2, 3, 2, 4, 2)
print(numbers.count(2)) # 3 — how many times 2 appears
print(numbers.index(3)) # 2 — index of first occurrence of 3
Tuple Unpacking
point = (28.70, 77.13)
lat, lng = point
print(lat) # 28.70
print(lng) # 77.13
a, b, *rest = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
print(rest) # [3, 4, 5]
Why Use a Tuple Instead of a List?
- Data integrity — use a tuple when values should never change, like coordinates or RGB colors
- Performance — tuples are slightly faster than lists since Python doesn't need to manage resizing
- Dictionary keys — tuples are hashable and can be used as dictionary keys; lists cannot
locations = {
(28.70, 77.13): "Delhi",
(19.07, 72.87): "Mumbai"
}
Key Takeaways
- Tuples are ordered but immutable — you cannot modify them after creation
- Use a trailing comma to create a single-item tuple:
(5,) - Tuples are commonly used for fixed data and as dictionary keys
