Collections Module vs Built-in Types

What are the main differences between the collections module and built-in types in Python?

The collections module provides specialized container datatypes like namedtuple, deque, Counter, etc., while built-in types include lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries. The collections module offers more functionality and flexibility for specific use cases.

Can you give examples of when to use collections over built-in types?

Sure! Use a deque from the collections module for fast appends and pops from both ends, or a Counter for counting hashable objects efficiently. Built-in types are great for general-purpose use.

Are there performance differences between them?

Yes, performance can vary. For example, deques are faster than lists for appending and popping from both ends, while lists are faster for random access. It depends on the specific operations you need.

Is it possible to convert between them?

Yes, you can convert between built-in types and collections. For instance, you can convert a list to a deque using collections.deque(my_list) and vice versa.