Python Lab Task 3 – Data Structures
1. List
Theory
A list is an ordered, mutable collection in Python. It can store mixed data types and allows
dynamic sizing.
• Mutable (can be changed)
• Maintains insertion order
• Supports indexing, slicing, and iteration.
Syntax
Sample Programs
2. Tuple
Theory
Tuples are immutable, ordered sequences. Ideal for fixed collections like coordinates or months.
• Immutable (cannot be changed)
• Ordered and indexable
Syntax
Sample Programs
3. Dictionary
Theory
Dictionaries are key-value pairs with fast lookups. Use for structured data like student records.
• Key-based access
• Unordered but optimized for speed
• Mutable
Syntax
Sample Programs
4. Set
Theory
Sets store unique elements with no guaranteed order. Ideal for deduplication and mathematical
operations.
• No duplicates
• Unordered
• Efficient union/intersection
Syntax
Sample Programs
5. Array (array module)
Theory
array.array provides compact, typed arrays. Useful when memory and performance are critical.
• Homogeneous type (e.g. all integers)
• 🗜 More space-efficient than lists
Syntax
Sample Programs
6. Stack (LIFO)
Theory
A stack is a collection that uses Last-In-First-Out (LIFO). Used in undo systems, recursion, and
parsing.
Syntax (using list)
Sample Programs
7. Queue (FIFO)
Theory
A queue uses First-In-First-Out (FIFO). Useful in task scheduling, buffering, and simulations.
Syntax (using deque)
Sample Programs
8. String Operations
Theory
Strings are immutable sequences of characters. Key for text processing, searching, formatting.
Syntax
Sample Programs
Various operations (methods) on Strings. Use these for more understanding.
Method Description Example Output
upper() Converts all letters to uppercase "hello".upper() → "HELLO"
lower() Converts all letters to lowercase "Python".lower() → "python"
strip() Removes leading/trailing whitespace " hello ".strip() → "hello"
title() Capitalizes first letter of each word "python lab".title() → "Python Lab"
count(x) Returns number of times x appears "banana".count("a") → 3
replace(a,b) Replaces a with b "abc".replace("a","x") → "xbc"
[::-1] Reverses the entire string (slicing) "madam"[::-1] → "madam"
What Is Slicing?
Slicing lets you extract a substring from a given string using this syntax:
start – index to begin (inclusive)
• stop – index to end (exclusive)
• step – gap between characters
If omitted:
• start defaults to 0
• stop goes to end of string
• step defaults to 1
Examples
Extract a Substring
From index 0 to 5 (6 is excluded)
Skip Characters with Step
Takes every second character
Reverse the String
[::-1] means: start at end, go backward one step at a time
Slice from the Middle
Picks letters between index 4 and 9.
Negative Indices
-3 starts counting from the end.
Slicing never throws an error if the indices go out of bounds—it just returns what it can.
That makes it safe for experimentation
