What is the use of the "set" function in Python?

Question

Jayant Kumar · Accepted Answer

Table of Contents
Introduction
The set() function in Python is a versatile tool for creating sets from other iterables. A set is an unordered collection of unique elements, and the set() function helps in converting various data types like lists, tuples, and strings into sets. This functionality is particularly useful for removing duplicates and performing set operations.
Uses of the set() Function
Converting Iterables to Sets
The primary use of the set() function is to convert other iterable data types into a set. This conversion automatically removes duplicate values and organizes the elements into a unique collection.
# Converting a list to a set
my_list = [1, 2, 2, 3, 4]
my_set = set(my_list)
print(my_set)  # Output: {1, 2, 3, 4}

# Converting a tuple to a set
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3, 3, 4)
my_set = set(my_tuple)
print(my_set)  # Output: {1, 2, 3, 4}

# Converting a string to a set
my_string = "hello"
my_set = set(my_string)
print(my_set)  # Output: {'h', 'e', 'l', 'o'}

In each case, the set() function removes any duplicate elements from the iterable and creates a set with unique values.
Creating an Empty Set
You can also use set() to create an empty set, which is useful for initializing variables before adding elements.
# Creating an empty set
empty_set = set()
print(empty_set)  # Output: set()

Practical Examples
Example : Removing Duplicates from a List
numbers = [5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9]
unique_numbers = set(numbers)
print(unique_numbers)  # Output: {5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

This example demonstrates how set() can be used to remove duplicates from a list, resulting in a collection of unique elements.
Example : Set Operations on Converted Sets
list1 = [1, 2, 3, 4]
list2 = [3, 4, 5, 6]

set1 = set(list1)
set2 = set(list2)

# Union
print(set1 | set2)  # Output: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

# Intersection
print(set1 &#x26; set2)  # Output: {3, 4}

# Difference
print(set1 - set2)  # Output: {1, 2}

Here, set() is used to convert lists to sets, which are then used to perform various set operations.
Conclusion
The set() function in Python is essential for converting iterables into sets, automatically removing duplicates and enabling powerful set operations. Whether you're working with lists, tuples, or strings, set() helps streamline data manipulation and ensures that your collections contain only unique elements.

What is the use of the "set" function in Python?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Uses of the `set()` Function

Converting Iterables to Sets

Creating an Empty Set

Practical Examples

Example : Removing Duplicates from a List

Example : Set Operations on Converted Sets

Conclusion

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