Note

Python - enumerate() - Count while iterating

Overview of the Python `enumerate()` function. Simplify counting while iterating over your object.

enumerate(iterable, start=0) is a built-in method that simply adds a counter to your iterable object and returns it as an enumerate object.

iterable: The object to iterate over (e.g., list, tuple, or string).

start (optional): The starting value of the counter (default is 0).

This is especially helpful when you need to keep track of the index while iterating over an iterable.

Take a look at examples below:

few_letters = ["a", "b", "c"]

for index, letter in enumerate(few_letters):
    print(index, letter)

Output:

0 a
1 b
2 c

Returned enumerate object yields a pair of objects (that are being unpacked with index, letter in our example).

It is also possible to provide a start argument to change the default value of 0:

few_letters = ["a", "b", "c"]

for index, letter in enumerate(few_letters, start=1):
    print(f"Number: {index} | Letter: {letter}")

Output:

Number: 1 | Letter: a
Number: 2 | Letter: b
Number: 3 | Letter: c

Bear in mind that you are not forced to unpack the object immediately. You can as well do something like this if you have a reason:

few_letters = ["a", "b", "c"]

for element in enumerate(few_letters, start=1):
    print(f"{element} - {type(element)}")

Output:

(1, 'a') - <class 'tuple'>
(2, 'b') - <class 'tuple'>
(3, 'c') - <class 'tuple'>

Simplicity: enumerate() simplifies the process of keeping track of counting while iterating.
Custom Start Value: The start argument allows you to set the initial counter value.
Versatility: You can unpack the enumerate object immediately in the loop or use it as needed.

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Note | built-in python

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