KwickClips Python · 43 sec · free
Why use a set instead of a list?
Short answer. It removes repeats and checks membership fast.
When is a list better?
When order or indexes matter.
Pick the right one
| Need | List | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Remove repeats | No | Yes |
| Fast in check | Slow | Fast |
| Keep order | Yes | No |
| Use index | Yes | No |
Remember
| Set: unique, fast lookups |
| List: order and indexes |
A list does what a set does. Why use a set? Here is why. A set removes repeats. Its in check is fast. But a set has no order. And it has no index. Use a set for unique items and fast lookups. Use a list for order or indexes.
This clip is from the full lesson: Sets and Set Operations — 7 minutes, with the tables, the quick answers and the whole lesson in text.
Useful for: Programming All levels Python
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