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Python iter() method

Last Updated : 11 Dec, 2024
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Python iter() method is a built-in method that allows to create an iterator from an iterable. An iterator is an object that enables us to traverse through a collection of items one element at a time. Let’s start by understanding how iter() works with a simple example.

Python 
a = [10, 20, 30, 40]

# Convert the list into an iterator
iterator = iter(a)

# Access elements using next()
print(next(iterator))  
print(next(iterator))

Output
10
20

Table of Content

Syntax of iter() method

iterator = iter(iterable)

Parameters

  • iterable: Any object capable of returning its elements one at a time. Examples include lists, tuples, dictionaries, and strings.

Return Type

  • Returns an iterator object that can be used with the next() function or a for loop to access the elements sequentially.

Examples of iter() Method

Using iter() with String

Python 
# Convert string to iterator
s = "Python"
iterator = iter(s)

print(next(iterator))  
print(next(iterator))

Output
P
y

Using iter() with Dictionary

Python 
d = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
iterator = iter(d)

for key in iterator:
    print(key)

Output
a
b
c

Using iter() with Callable and Sentinel

Python 
# Generate numbers until sentinel value is encountered
import random

iterator = iter(lambda: random.randint(1, 5), 3)
for num in iterator:
    print(num)

Output
5
5

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