Tuple Types in Python — Explained with Examples

A tuple in Python is an ordered, immutable collection of elements. Tuples are similar to lists, but unlike lists, you cannot modify (add, remove, or change) elements once a tuple is created.

1. Creating a Tuple

Basic Tuple

my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
print(my_tuple)  # Output: (1, 2, 3)

2. Single Element Tuple

To create a tuple with a single element, you must include a comma after the element.

t1 = (5)        # Not a tuple, just an integer
t2 = (5,)       # Correct single-element tuple

print(type(t1))  # <class 'int'>
print(type(t2))  # <class 'tuple'>

3. Tuple with Different Data Types

Tuples can contain mixed data types:

mixed = (1, "Hello", 3.14, True)
print(mixed)  # (1, 'Hello', 3.14, True)

4. Nested Tuple (Tuple inside Tuple)

nested = (1, (2, 3), (4, 5))
print(nested[1])     # Output: (2, 3)
print(nested[1][0])  # Output: 2

5. Tuple Packing and Unpacking

Packing

person = ("Alice", 30, "Developer")  # Packing tuple

Unpacking

name, age, job = person
print(name)  # Alice
print(age)   # 30
print(job)   # Developer

6. Accessing Tuple Elements

Using indexing:

t = (10, 20, 30)
print(t[1])     # Output: 20

Using slicing:

print(t[0:2])   # Output: (10, 20)

7. Immutability of Tuples

You cannot change elements in a tuple:

t = (1, 2, 3)
# t[0] = 10  # ❌ Error: TypeError

8. Tuple Methods

Tuples have two built-in methods:

• count(value) – Returns the number of times a value appears
• index(value) – Returns the index of the first occurrence

t = (1, 2, 2, 3)
print(t.count(2))   # Output: 2
print(t.index(3))   # Output: 3

9. Why Use Tuples?

• Immutability protects data from being changed accidentally
• Slightly faster than lists
• Can be used as dictionary keys or set elements (only if they contain hashable values)

my_dict = {("x", 1): "value"}
print(my_dict[("x", 1)])  # Output: value

10. Tuple vs List (Quick Comparison)