When should I use sets instead of lists in programming?

When should I use sets instead of lists in programming?

You should use sets when you need unique elements and fast membership testing, while lists are better for ordered collections.

Can you give me an example of when to use a set?

Sure! If you're storing unique user IDs, a set is ideal because it automatically handles duplicates.

What about lists? When are they more appropriate?

Lists are great when you need to maintain the order of elements or allow duplicates, like a shopping list.

Are there any performance differences between sets and lists?

Yes, sets generally offer O(1) time complexity for lookups, while lists have O(n), making sets faster for membership checks.