What is the difference between generators and iterators in Python?

What is the difference between generators and iterators in Python?

Generators are a type of iterator that allow you to iterate through a sequence of values without storing them in memory. They use the yield keyword to produce values one at a time.

Can you give me an example of a generator?

Sure! Here's a simple generator that yields the squares of numbers up to a given limit:

def square_generator(limit):
    for i in range(limit):
        yield i ** 2

How do iterators work in Python?

Iterators in Python implement the iterator protocol, which consists of the __iter__() and __next__() methods. They allow you to traverse through a collection without exposing the underlying structure.

When should I use a generator instead of an iterator?

Use a generator when you want to save memory and only need to produce values on-the-fly. They are especially useful for large datasets.