What are the differences between Python's collections module and standard types?

What are the differences between Python's collections module and standard types?

The collections module provides specialized container datatypes like namedtuple, deque, Counter, and more, while standard types include lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries.

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

Sure! Use a deque when you need fast appends and pops from both ends of the container, like in a queue implementation.

What is a Counter and how is it different from a dictionary?

A Counter is a subclass of dict that counts hashable objects. It's specifically designed for counting occurrences, making it easier to tally items.

Are there performance differences between these types?

Yes, collections like deque and Counter are optimized for specific operations, which can lead to better performance compared to standard types in those scenarios.

Can I convert a list to a Counter?

Absolutely! You can create a Counter from a list by simply passing the list to the Counter constructor, which will count the occurrences of each element.