Tuples

Introduction

A tuple is an ordered, immutable collection. Once created, it cannot be changed. Tuples are used when the data should not be modified — coordinates, RGB values, database records, and return values from functions are common examples.

Creating a Tuple

point = (10, 20)
rgb = (255, 128, 0)
single = (42,)        # Note the trailing comma — required for single-item tuples
empty = ()

Accessing Items

Same as lists — zero-indexed.

point = (10, 20)
print(point[0])   # 10
print(point[-1])  # 20

Unpacking

Tuples are often unpacked into separate variables.

point = (10, 20)
x, y = point
print(x, y)   # 10 20

# Works with any iterable
firstname, lastname, age = "Alice", "Smith", 30

Tuples vs Lists

	Tuple	List
Mutable	❌	✅
Syntax	(1, 2, 3)	[1, 2, 3]
Use when	Data should not change	Data may change

Practice Exercises

• Create a tuple containing a product name, price, and category. Unpack it into three variables and print them.
• Try to change the first value of the tuple. Read the error message and note what it says.
• Create a function that returns two values as a tuple. Call it and unpack the result.