Module 4 Overview

Module 4: Data Structures is the core of practical Python programming. While primitive types like integers and strings are the building blocks, data structures are the containers that allow us to organize, store, and manipulate complex sets of information efficiently.

In this module, we will dive deep into Python’s primary collection types—Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, and Sets. We will explore their mechanics, performance characteristics, and the “Pythonic” ways to use them, including the powerful syntax of comprehensions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Master Lists for ordered, mutable sequences and understand their underlying dynamic array mechanics.
• Utilize Tuples for fixed sequences and appreciate the safety and performance of immutability.
• Leverage Dictionaries for high-performance key-value mapping and understand how hashing works.
• Apply Sets for unique collections and perform efficient mathematical set operations.
• Write elegant and efficient Comprehensions to transform and filter data in a single line.
• Choose the right data structure for specific problems based on performance and intent.

Module Contents

Lists Ordered, mutable sequences of objects.

Tuples Immutable sequences for fixed data.

Dictionaries Key-value pairs and fast lookups.

Sets Unique elements and mathematical operations.

Comprehensions Syntactic sugar for creating collections efficiently.