What are the differences between Python iterators and itertools?

What are the differences between Python iterators and itertools?

Python iterators are objects that implement the iterator protocol, allowing iteration over a collection. The itertools module provides functions that create iterators for efficient looping.

Can you give me an example of a Python iterator?

Sure! A simple example of a Python iterator is a list. You can use the iter() function to create an iterator from a list and then use next() to access its elements.

How does itertools improve upon regular iterators?

Itertools provides a set of fast, memory-efficient tools for creating iterators. For example, functions like count(), cycle(), and chain() allow for more complex iteration patterns without needing to write custom iterator classes.

Are there any performance benefits to using itertools?

Yes, itertools functions are implemented in C, making them faster and more memory-efficient than equivalent Python code. They also allow for lazy evaluation, which can save resources when working with large datasets.