Python Data Types

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Python is a versatile language that supports a variety of data types to help you manage and manipulate information in your programs. From simple integers to complex data structures like dictionaries and sets, Python has got you covered. Let's explore the different data types available in Python and how to use them effectively.

Basic Data Types

Integers

Integers, or int, are whole numbers, both positive and negative. Python supports arbitrarily large integers, so you can have an integer as big as you can fit in your computer's memory. Here's an example of declaring and using integers in Python:

age = 25
days_in_year = 365
days_alive = age * days_in_year
print(days_alive)  # Output: 9125

Floats

Floating-point numbers, or float, represent real numbers with decimal points. Python's float values are approximately 64-bit double-precision numbers. Here's an example of declaring and using floats in Python:

pi = 3.14159
radius = 5.0
circle_area = pi * (radius ** 2)
print(circle_area)  # Output: 78.53975

Strings

Strings, or str, are sequences of characters. They can be created using single quotes ('), double quotes ("), or even triple quotes (''' or """) for multiline strings. Here's an example of declaring and using strings in Python:

greeting = "Hello, World!"
name = 'Alice'
multiline_string = """This is a
multiline string."""
print(greeting)  # Output: Hello, World!

Booleans

Booleans, or bool, represent True or False values. They are often used in conditional statements and comparisons. Here's an example of declaring and using booleans in Python:

is_hungry = True
has_food = False
should_eat = is_hungry and not has_food
print(should_eat)  # Output: False

Data Structures

Lists

Lists, or list, are ordered, mutable collections of items. They are similar to arrays in other languages, but can store items of different data types. Here's an example of declaring and using lists in Python:

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
fruits.append("orange")
print(fruits)  # Output: ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'orange']

Tuples

Tuples, or tuple, are ordered, immutable collections of items. They are similar to lists, but cannot be changed once they are created. Here's an example of declaring and using tuples in Python:

coordinates = (10, 20, 30)
x, y, z = coordinates
print(x)  # Output: 10

Sets

Sets, or set, are unordered collections of unique items. They are useful for removing duplicates or performing set operations like union and intersection. Here's an example of declaring and using sets in Python:

fruits = {"apple", "banana", "cherry"}
more_fruits = {"banana", "orange", "kiwi"}
unique_fruits = fruits.union(more_fruits)
print(unique_fruits)  # Output: {'apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'orange', 'kiwi'}

Dictionaries

Dictionaries, or dict, are unordered collections of key-value pairs. They are similar to hash tables or associative arrays in other languages. Here's an example of declaring and using dictionaries in Python:

person = {"name": "Alice", "age": 30, "city": "New York"}
person["age"] = 31
print(person)  # Output: {'name': 'Alice', 'age': 31, 'city': 'New York'}

By understanding these data types and their usage, you'll be well-equipped to handle a wide variety of programming tasks in Python. Don't be afraid to mix and match them to create complex data structures that perfectly suit your needs. Happy coding!

FAQ

x = 42
print(type(x))  # Output: <class 'int'>

x = 3.14
y = int(x)  # Convert float to int, y becomes 3

# List
my_list = [1, 2, 3]
# Tuple
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
# Dictionary
my_dict = {"key1": "value1", "key2": "value2"}
# Set
my_set = {1, 2, 3}