What are the differences between mutable and immutable data structures in Python?

What are the differences between mutable and immutable data structures in Python?

In Python, mutable data structures can be changed after creation, like lists and dictionaries, while immutable ones, like tuples and strings, cannot.

Can you give me examples of mutable and immutable data structures?

Sure! A list is mutable because you can add or remove elements, while a tuple is immutable because once created, its elements cannot be changed.

Why would I use immutable data structures?

Immutable data structures are useful for ensuring data integrity, making them safer in concurrent programming and easier to reason about.

Are there performance differences between them?

Yes, immutable structures can be more memory efficient and faster in certain operations, as they can be optimized by the interpreter.