2 Ways to Create an Empty Tuple in Python

Introduction

Python tuples are immutable sequences, used to store multiple items in a single variable. An empty tuple is a tuple with no items. This guide will explore different ways to create an empty tuple in Python, providing a step-by-step approach for each method along with a complete code example and notes on performance and applicability.

Using the Tuple Literal

The simplest way to create an empty tuple is by using a pair of parentheses without any elements in them. This method is straightforward and the most commonly used.

Steps to Implement

1. Simply open a pair of parentheses.
2. Do not include any elements inside the parentheses.

Code Example

empty_tuple = ()
print(empty_tuple)  
# Output: ()

This method is particularly efficient because it directly uses Python’s syntax for defining tuples. It’s both concise and performs well in any situation where an empty tuple is needed.

Using the Tuple Constructor

Another way to create an empty tuple is by using the tuple constructor without passing any arguments. This approach is slightly more explicit than the literal approach.

What you need to do is just calling the tuple() constructor without any arguments as shown in the example below:

empty_tuple = tuple()
print(empty_tuple)  # Output: ()

While this method is as efficient as the tuple literal, it might be considered more readable, especially by beginners, because it explicitly calls a constructor to create the tuple. However, it’s slightly more verbose.

Conclusion

Creating an empty tuple in Python can be done in multiple ways, yet the two most straightforward methods involve using tuple literals and the tuple constructor. Both techniques are efficient and appropriate for different situations depending on readability and coding style preference. Understanding these basic but crucial aspects of tuple creation in Python enhances one’s skill in handling this immutable data type effectively in various programming scenarios.