What are the differences between the collections module and lists in Python?

What are the differences between the collections module and lists in Python?

The collections module provides specialized container datatypes, while lists are general-purpose containers. Would you like to know more about specific types?

What are some examples of specialized container types in the collections module?

Some examples include namedtuple, deque, Counter, and defaultdict. Each serves different purposes. Do you want details on any of these?

Can you explain how a deque is different from a list?

A deque (double-ended queue) allows fast appends and pops from both ends, while lists are optimized for fast fixed-time access but slower for adding/removing elements at the ends.

When should I use a Counter instead of a list?

Use a Counter when you need to count hashable objects efficiently. It provides a dictionary-like structure that counts occurrences, which is more efficient than using a list for counting.