What are immutable types in Python and why are they important?

What are immutable types in Python and why are they important?

Immutable types in Python are data types that cannot be changed after they are created. Examples include tuples, strings, and frozensets. They are important because they ensure data integrity and can be used as keys in dictionaries.

Can you give me examples of immutable types?

Sure! Common immutable types in Python include:

1. Strings: e.g., 'hello'
2. Tuples: e.g., (1, 2, 3)
3. Frozensets: e.g., frozenset([1, 2, 3]) These types cannot be modified after creation.

What happens if I try to change an immutable type?

If you try to change an immutable type, Python will raise a TypeError. For example, attempting to append an item to a tuple will result in an error.

Why would I use immutable types instead of mutable ones?

Using immutable types can lead to safer code, as they prevent accidental changes. They also allow for optimizations in memory usage and performance, especially in multi-threaded environments.