What are namedtuples in Python and how do I use them?

What are namedtuples in Python and how do I use them?

Namedtuples are a subclass of tuples in Python that allow you to define simple classes for storing data. They provide a way to create tuple-like objects that have named fields, making your code more readable.

Can you show me an example of how to create a namedtuple?

Sure! You can create a namedtuple using the collections.namedtuple function. Here's an example:

from collections import namedtuple

# Define a namedtuple called 'Point'
Point = namedtuple('Point', ['x', 'y'])

# Create an instance of Point
p = Point(10, 20)
print(p.x, p.y)  # Output: 10 20

What are the advantages of using namedtuples over regular tuples?

Namedtuples provide better readability since you can access fields by name instead of index. They also support immutability like regular tuples, but with the added benefit of self-documenting code.

Can namedtuples be used in data structures like lists or dictionaries?

Yes, namedtuples can be used in lists and dictionaries just like regular tuples. They can enhance the clarity of your data structures by allowing you to access elements by name.