Unpack a tuple by putting comma-separated variable names on the left side of an assignment: x, y = point. Python assigns each item to the matching name. The same syntax works with other iterables, and a starred target can collect a variable number of values.
Unpack a tuple with matching targets
Put one target on the left for each item in the tuple:
point = (4, 9)
x, y = point
print(x) # 4
print(y) # 9The first item goes to x, and the second goes to y. For three items, use three targets, such as x, y, z = (4, 9, 12). Python’s tutorial calls this sequence unpacking and explains that multiple assignment combines tuple packing with sequence unpacking: Python tutorial: Data Structures.
Unpacking works with iterables, not just tuples
The value on the right does not have to be a tuple. Assignment can unpack items from other sequences and iterables, including an iterator when its number of yielded values is known. The iterable must provide the number of values required by the targets unless a starred target is used. See the assignment statement reference and the Functional Programming HOWTO.
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Match the number of items or Python raises an error
Without a starred target, the number of items must equal the number of targets. Too many or too few values raises a ValueError during unpacking:
x, y = (1, 2, 3) # ValueError: too many values to unpack
x, y, z = (1, 2) # ValueError: not enough values to unpackCheck the iterable’s length or adjust the targets to match before unpacking. The Python assignment reference specifies the matching-length rule.
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Use a starred target for extra items
Place one * before a target to collect the items not matched by the targets around it. Python assigns those remaining items to a list:
first, *middle, last = (10, 20, 30, 40)
# first == 10
# middle == [20, 30]
# last == 40The iterable needs at least as many items as there are non-starred targets. The starred target can receive an empty list when there are no extra items:
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first, *middle, last = (10, 40)
# middle == []The assignment reference documents both the minimum item count and the list result: starred assignment targets.
Swap two variables with multiple assignment
You can exchange two existing values without a temporary variable:
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left, right = right, leftPython evaluates the right side and assigns its values to the names on the left. The tutorial describes multiple assignment as a combination of tuple packing and sequence unpacking: Python tutorial: tuples and sequences.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Remember the comma in tuple syntax
A comma makes a tuple; parentheses alone only group an expression. A one-item tuple therefore needs a trailing comma, while (value) is just value in parentheses:
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single = (7,) # one-item tuple
not_a_tuple = (7) # integer
empty = () # empty tupleThese rules are described in the expressions reference and the documentation for built-in tuple types.
Use named fields when positions are unclear
Unpacking is concise when the meaning of each position is obvious, as with coordinates or a pair of related values. For a heterogeneous record whose fields have distinct meanings, positional names such as name, status, timestamp can become hard to maintain if their order is unclear. Python’s built-in types documentation points to collections.namedtuple() as an option for records with named fields: tuple documentation.
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