What are the differences between iterators and lists in Python?

What are the differences between iterators and lists in Python?

In Python, lists are collections that store multiple items, while iterators are objects that allow you to traverse through these items one at a time.

Can you give me an example of how to use an iterator?

Sure! You can create an iterator from a list using the iter() function. For example:

my_list = [1, 2, 3]
my_iterator = iter(my_list)
print(next(my_iterator))  # Outputs: 1

What are the advantages of using iterators over lists?

Iterators are more memory efficient because they generate items on the fly and do not store the entire collection in memory, unlike lists.

Are there any built-in functions in Python that work with iterators?

Yes, functions like next(), map(), and filter() work with iterators, allowing you to process items one at a time.