Tuples

Represent small ordered groups of values that should not be changed in place.

Why this matters

Tuples are useful when a group of values belongs together and should behave like a stable record or key.

Start with the idea

A tuple is ordered like a list but immutable. That makes tuples useful for fixed coordinates, function returns, and composite dictionary keys when their contents are hashable.

IdeaUnderstand the purpose

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CodeRun the smallest example

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PracticeChange it yourself

SubjectVision learning pattern: understand the idea before memorizing syntax.

Small working example

Run this example first. Do not change several things at once; confirm the basic behavior, then experiment.

location = (34.05, -118.24)
lat, lon = location
print(lat)
print(lon)

Expected output

34.05
-118.24

What to notice

The example is intentionally small. Focus on the chapter’s main idea before adding extra syntax or framework code.

Common beginner mistake

Mistake

Choosing a tuple merely because it uses fewer characters than a small class or dataclass.

Better approach

Use tuples for simple positional groups; use named structures when field meaning should be explicit.

Quick recap

Tuples are ordered.
Tuples are immutable.
Unpacking gives names to tuple positions.

Try it yourself

These are deliberately small. If you can complete them without copying the example, you are ready to continue.

Create a three-value tuple and unpack it.
Compare when a tuple versus a list better describes your data.