What are some examples of immutable collections in programming languages?

What are some examples of immutable collections in programming languages?

Immutable collections are data structures that cannot be modified after they are created. Examples include: 1. Java: List.of() creates an immutable list. 2. Python: Tuples are immutable sequences. 3. Scala: Vector is an immutable collection. 4. Clojure: Uses persistent data structures like vectors and maps.

Why would I use immutable collections instead of mutable ones?

Using immutable collections can lead to safer code, as they prevent unintended side effects. They also facilitate easier reasoning about code, improve performance in concurrent programming, and can lead to more predictable behavior.

Can you give me a code example of an immutable collection in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example of a tuple in Python:

my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
# Trying to modify it will raise an error:
# my_tuple[0] = 10  # This will raise a TypeError

Tuples are immutable, meaning once created, their values cannot be changed.

Are there any performance benefits to using immutable collections?

Yes, immutable collections can offer performance benefits in certain scenarios, especially in multi-threaded environments. Since they cannot be changed, they can be shared between threads without the need for locks, reducing overhead and potential bottlenecks.