Unpacking sequences in Python

Pulling a sequence apart into named pieces in one statement.

point = (3, 7)
x, y = point

first, *middle, last = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

low, high = 10, 99
low, high = high, low

pairs = [("a", 1), ("b", 2)]
for letter, value in pairs:
    print(letter, value)

head, tail = pairs[0], pairs[1:]

How it works

1. A tuple unpacks straight into two variables.
2. A starred name like *middle soaks up the rest.
3. Loops unpack each pair as it arrives.

Keywords and builtins used here

• for
• print

The run, in numbers

Lines

13

Characters to type

222

Tokens

90

Three-star pace

85 tpm

At the three-star pace of 85 tokens a minute, this run takes about 64 seconds.

Type this snippet

Step 6 of 6 in Variables & types, step 6 of 72 in Language basics.

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