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Interview Questions

These questions are frequently asked in FAANG-level interviews and test your deep understanding of tuples, including immutability, performance, unpacking, and tricky behaviors.
Each question includes a clear explanation and correct solution.

Question 1: What is a Tuple and Why Is It Used?

Answer

A tuple is an ordered, immutable collection in Python. It is used when data should not be modified, improving safety and performance.

Example

python
data = (10, 20, 30)
Key reasons to use tuples:
  • Faster than lists
  • Hashable (can be dictionary keys)
  • Protects data from accidental modification

Question 2: Difference Between List and Tuple?

Answer

FeatureListTuple
MutableYesNo
Syntax[]()
PerformanceSlowerFaster
HashableNoYes (if elements are immutable)

Example

python
t = (1, 2, 3)
l = [1, 2, 3]

Question 3: How Do You Create a Single-Element Tuple?

Answer

A comma is mandatory.
python
t = (10,)
print(type(t))
Without comma:
python
t = (10)
print(type(t))  # int

Question 4: Why Are Tuples Immutable?

Answer

Tuples are immutable to:
  • Ensure data integrity
  • Improve performance
  • Enable safe usage as dictionary keys
This makes tuples suitable for fixed configuration data.

Question 5: Can a Tuple Contain Mutable Objects?

Answer

Yes.
python
t = (1, [2, 3], 4)
t[1].append(99)
print(t)
Tuple reference does not change, but mutable objects inside can change.

Question 6: How Do You Modify a Tuple?

Answer

Indirectly by converting to a list.
python
t = (1, 2, 3)
temp = list(t)
temp[0] = 10
t = tuple(temp)
print(t)

Question 7: Tuple Packing and Unpacking?

Answer

Packing

python
t = 10, 20, 30

Unpacking

python
a, b, c = t

Question 8: Extended Tuple Unpacking

Answer

python
t = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
a, *b, c = t

print(a)
print(b)
print(c)
b becomes a list.

Question 9: Swap Two Variables Without Temp Variable

Answer

python
a = 10
b = 20

a, b = b, a
This is powered by tuple unpacking.

Question 10: Why Are Tuples Faster Than Lists?

Answer

Because:
  • Tuples are immutable
  • Fixed memory allocation
  • Less overhead than lists
FAANG interviews often test this conceptual clarity.

Question 11: Can Tuples Be Dictionary Keys?

Answer

Yes, if all elements are immutable.
python
data = {(1, 2): "value"}
print(data[(1, 2)])
This is not allowed:
python
# {(1, [2]): "value"}  # TypeError

Question 12: How Many Methods Does a Tuple Have?

Answer

Only two.
python
t = (1, 2, 2, 3)

print(t.count(2))
print(t.index(3))

Question 13: Predict the Output (Tricky)

python
t = (1, 2)
t += (3,)
print(t)

Answer

text
(1, 2, 3)
A new tuple is created.

Question 14: Tuple vs NamedTuple (Advanced)

Answer

namedtuple provides readability with named fields.
python
from collections import namedtuple

Person = namedtuple("Person", ["name", "age"])
p = Person("Jayesh", 25)

print(p.name)
print(p.age)
Used in clean architecture and system design.

Question 15: Tuple in Function Return (FAANG Favorite)

Question

How does Python return multiple values?

Answer

python
def calc(a, b):
    return a + b, a - b

result = calc(10, 5)
print(result)
Python returns a tuple.

Question 16: Tuple Memory Comparison

Answer

python
import sys

list_data = [1, 2, 3]
tuple_data = (1, 2, 3)

print(sys.getsizeof(list_data))
print(sys.getsizeof(tuple_data))
Tuples consume less memory.

Question 17: Tuple vs Set (Common Trap)

Answer

TupleSet
OrderedUnordered
Allows duplicatesNo duplicates
ImmutableMutable
Index-based accessNo indexing

Question 18: Tuple Slicing Output Type

python
t = (1, 2, 3)
x = t[1:]

print(type(x))

Answer

tuple

Question 19: Tuple Comparison

python
print((1, 2) > (1, 1))

Answer

text
True
Python compares element by element.

Question 20: When NOT to Use Tuples?

Answer

Avoid tuples when:
  • Data needs frequent updates
  • Size changes dynamically
  • Complex modifications are required
Use lists instead.

Interview Takeaways

  • Tuples are immutable and faster
  • Widely used in FAANG-level code
  • Common in function returns
  • Safe for fixed and structured data
  • Powerful when combined with unpacking
  • Frequently tested in tricky scenarios
Mastering tuples shows strong Python fundamentals, which FAANG interviewers value highly.