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Explain list vs tuple in Python

Last updated: Mar 29, 2026

Quick Overview

This question evaluates understanding of Python sequence types, specifically differences in mutability, hashing ability, memory footprint, and iteration and performance characteristics.

  • easy
  • PayPal
  • Coding & Algorithms
  • Data Scientist

Explain list vs tuple in Python

Company: PayPal

Role: Data Scientist

Category: Coding & Algorithms

Difficulty: easy

Interview Round: Technical Screen

## Question In Python: 1. What are the key differences between a **list** and a **tuple**? 2. When would you prefer using a tuple over a list? 3. What are the performance and safety implications (mutability, hashing, memory, iteration) that matter in production code?

Quick Answer: This question evaluates understanding of Python sequence types, specifically differences in mutability, hashing ability, memory footprint, and iteration and performance characteristics.

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Jan 17, 2026, 12:00 AM
Data Scientist
Technical Screen
Coding & Algorithms
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Question

In Python:

  1. What are the key differences between a list and a tuple ?
  2. When would you prefer using a tuple over a list?
  3. What are the performance and safety implications (mutability, hashing, memory, iteration) that matter in production code?

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