Unpacking

Unpacking is a powerful and versatile concept. This feature allows you to extract values from various iterable data structures, such as tuples, lists, dictionaries, ranges, and even strings. The opposite action is packing. Often, these two concepts are used together simultaneously. Let's break down the topic step by step.

First of all, let's compare unpacking and packing.

Python can both pack and unpack values from iterables in a single assignment. To perform packing, use the * iterable unpacking operator before the variable name.


              1234567
            
# unpacking
a, b, c = (1, 2, 3)  # a = 1, b = 2, c = 3
print(f"a = {a}, b = {b}, c = {c}")

# packing
a, b, *c = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 # a = 1, b = 2, c = [3, 4, 5]
print(f"a = {a}, b = {b}, c = {c}")

You will encounter errors if you attempt to unpack a different no of values than variables.


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a, b = 1, 2, 3 # ValueError: too many values to unpack
a, b, c, d = 1, 2, 3 # ValueError: not enough values to unpack

The value on the right side can be a tuple, list, generator, range, dictionary, set, or string. Let's explore each of these with examples.

Note

All values that are written in one line and separated by commas but without parentheses are one tuple. 1, 2, 3 same as (1, 2, 3)

The set is an unordered collection of data.

Task

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Let's practice a little bit.

There is a tuple and you need to unpack it as in the example above.
Use the name, age, career variables.
Print it out to see the result.

Click the button below the code to check solution.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 1

Unpacking

First of all, let's compare unpacking and packing.

Python can both pack and unpack values from iterables in a single assignment. To perform packing, use the * iterable unpacking operator before the variable name.


              1234567
            
# unpacking
a, b, c = (1, 2, 3)  # a = 1, b = 2, c = 3
print(f"a = {a}, b = {b}, c = {c}")

# packing
a, b, *c = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 # a = 1, b = 2, c = [3, 4, 5]
print(f"a = {a}, b = {b}, c = {c}")

You will encounter errors if you attempt to unpack a different no of values than variables.


              12
            
a, b = 1, 2, 3 # ValueError: too many values to unpack
a, b, c, d = 1, 2, 3 # ValueError: not enough values to unpack

The value on the right side can be a tuple, list, generator, range, dictionary, set, or string. Let's explore each of these with examples.

Note

All values that are written in one line and separated by commas but without parentheses are one tuple. 1, 2, 3 same as (1, 2, 3)

The set is an unordered collection of data.

Task

Swipe to show code editor

Let's practice a little bit.

There is a tuple and you need to unpack it as in the example above.
Use the name, age, career variables.
Print it out to see the result.

Click the button below the code to check solution.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 1

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below