Return multiple vars: list/tuple

Question

I have a function which must return many values (statistics) for other function to interact with them. So I thought about returning them inside a list (array). But then I wondered: should I do so using a list (["foo", "bar"]) or using a tuple (("foo", "bar"))? what are the problems or differences there are when using one instead of the other??

score 2 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:05

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If you do not need to edit the return value, use a tuple. The main difference is that lists can be edited.

See this: What's the difference between lists and tuples?

edited May 23 '17 at 12:05

Community

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answered Aug 25 '14 at 18:09

DrV

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No, I don't need to do so. Thanks very much, I didn't know. :=). – wonderwhy Aug 25 '14 at 18:10

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 25 '14 at 18:11

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Use a tuple. In your application, it doesn't seem like you will want or need to change the list of results after.

Though, with many return values you might want to consider returning a dictionary with named values. That way is more flexible and extensible, as adding a new statistic doesn't requiring modifying every single time you use the function.

answered Aug 25 '14 at 18:11

Roger Fan

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Ah yeah, the dict is the best option, thanks you solved my headache hehe. – wonderwhy Aug 25 '14 at 18:17

Return multiple vars: list/tuple

2 Answers2