What are the differences between the collections module and built-in types in Python?

What are the differences between the collections module and built-in types in Python?

The collections module provides specialized container datatypes like namedtuple, deque, Counter, etc., while built-in types include lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries. The collections module offers more functionality and flexibility for specific use cases.

Can you give me an example of when to use a deque instead of a list?

Sure! A deque (double-ended queue) is more efficient for appending and popping items from both ends. If you need to implement a queue or stack where you frequently add or remove items from both ends, a deque is a better choice than a list.

What about using Counter? When should I use it?

Counter is great for counting hashable objects. If you need to tally occurrences of items in a list, using Counter simplifies the process and provides useful methods for common tasks like finding the most common elements.

Are there any performance differences between these types?

Yes, performance can vary. For example, appending to a list can be slower than appending to a deque, especially for large datasets. Similarly, operations like counting with Counter are optimized compared to manual counting with a dictionary.