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Explain the difference between a list and a tuple in Python.

Python/Codingeasy0.5 min readPremium
Frequency
Low
Asked at 2 companies
Category
179
questions in Python/Coding
Difficulty Split
127E|24M|28H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
AltimetrikInfosys
Interview Pro Tip

Red Flag: Using a list as a dict key (it will raise TypeError). Pro-Move: 'I use tuples for immutable records and dict keys; lists for buffers and sequences that change. I measure memory with sys.getsizeof for hot paths.'

Key Concepts Tested
python
Expert AnswerPremium
97 wordsInterview-ready
**List**: Mutable; defined with `[]`; elements can be added, removed, or changed. **Tuple**: Immutable; defined with `()`; elements cannot be changed after creation. **Why it matters architecturally**: Tuples are hashable (if elements are hashable)—usable as dict keys and in sets; lists are not. Tuples have lower memory overhead and faster iteration....
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