What are the differences between Queue and List in Python's collections module?

What are the differences between Queue and List in Python's collections module?

In Python, a List is a versatile data structure that allows for random access and can store any type of object. A Queue, on the other hand, is specifically designed for FIFO (First In, First Out) operations, making it ideal for scenarios where order of processing is important.

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

Sure! For a List, you can simply do: my_list = [1, 2, 3] and access elements by index. For a Queue, you would use from collections import deque; my_queue = deque([1, 2, 3]) and use append() to add and popleft() to remove elements.

When should I use a Queue instead of a List?

You should use a Queue when you need to maintain the order of elements and process them in the order they were added. Lists are better for random access and when you need to frequently access elements by index.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, performance can vary. Lists have O(1) time complexity for accessing elements but O(n) for removing elements from the front. Queues, especially when implemented with deque, have O(1) time complexity for both adding and removing elements from either end.