Core Python / Tuples

1. What are the differences between lists and tuples?

   Lists and tuples both contain heterogenous data values in a particular order and those elements(values) are accessed in the same manner []. The primary difference is that tuples are immutable -
   we cannot change the elements inside of the tuple.

2. Explain how multiple values can be returned from a function in Python.

   Mulitple values are returned by utilizing a tuple. The return values can then be assigned to a tuple or unpacked into multiple variables.

3. How are tuples created? Provide examples.

   Tuples are created by separating expressions by a comma. While optional, parenthesis are preferred to make it easier for readers to see that a tuple is being created. The built-in function, tuple() can also be used - a sequence needs to be provided to the function.

   t = 1,"test", 4.0
   w = ("test",5, 3.14)
   x = tuple("hello")  # x contains 5 elements
   print(x)
   x = tuple(["hello", "world"]) # contains two elements
   print(x)
   

4. Explain how sequences work across strings, lists, and tuples.

   Sequences allow us to treat strings, lists, and tuples in a similar manner and can apply slicing to access specific parts of those items.

5. How do you access elements in a tuple? Provide examples.

   We can directly access a member using the [] operator. We can also apply slicing.

   >>> phrase = ("it","was","the","best","of","times")
   >>> print(phrase)
   ('it', 'was', 'the', 'best', 'of', 'times')
   >>> type(phrase)
   <class 'tuple'>
   >>> phrase[-1]
   'times'
   >>> phrase[5]
   'times' 
   >>> phrase[0]
   'it'
   >>> phrase[-2:]
   ('of', 'times')
   >>> phrase[4:]
   ('of', 'times')
   

6. Can a tuple contain mutable objects like lists? Explain.

   Yes. However, the tuple cannot be used as a key for a dictionary entry. The entries in that list can be altered.