Tuple
Overview
A Tuple is an abstract data type that groups a fixed number of elements into a single, ordered collection. Unlike lists, tuples usually have a fixed size and may contain elements of different types.
Tuples emphasize structure over mutability.
What Is a Tuple?
A tuple:
- Has a fixed length
- Preserves order
- Allows heterogeneous elements
- Is often immutable
Each position has a defined meaning.
How It Works
Tuples are typically implemented as:
- Fixed-size arrays
- Lightweight records
Access is positional:
tuple[0], tuple[1], ...
Example
Pseudocode
point = (10, 20)
nameAge = ("Ravi", 25)
Real-world Analogy
A tuple is like a form with numbered fields. Each slot has a purpose, and the order cannot be changed 🔢🗂️.
Common Operations
- Construction
- Destructuring
- Index-based access
- Comparison (lexicographical)
Time and Space Complexity
- Space: O(n)
- Access: O(1)
Use Cases
- Returning multiple values from functions
- Lightweight data grouping
- Coordinates and pairs
- Pattern matching
Advantages
- Compact representation
- Clear structure
- Safe from accidental modification
Limitations
- Fixed size
- Less expressive than records
- Position-based access can reduce readability
Tuple vs List
| Aspect | Tuple | List |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Fixed | Dynamic |
| Mutability | Often immutable | Mutable |
| Types | Heterogeneous | Usually homogeneous |