Python: what is the difference between (1,2,3) and [1,2,3], and when should I use each?

Question

In many places, (1,2,3) (a tuple) and [1,2,3] (a list) can be used interchangeably.

When should I use one or the other, and why?

Answer 1

[1, 2, 3] is a list in which one can add or delete items.
(1, 2, 3) is a tuple in which once defined, modification cannot be done.

Answer 2

If you can find a solution that works with tuples, use them, as it forces immutability which kind of drives you down a more functional path. You almost never regret going down the functional/immutable path.

Answer 3

(1,2,3)-tuple [1,2,3]-list lists are mutable on which various operations can be performed whereas tuples are immutable which cannot be extended.we cannot add,delete or update any element from a tuple once it is created.

Answer 4

The list [1,2,3] is dynamic and flexible but that flexibility comes at a speed cost.

The tuple (1,2,3) is fixed (immutable) and therefore faster.

Answer 5

Whenever I need to pass in a collection of items to a function, if I want the function to not change the values passed in - I use tuples.

Else if I want to have the function to alter the values, I use list.

Always if you are using external libraries and need to pass in a list of values to a function and are unsure about the integrity of the data, use a tuple.