2.3.3. Unpack Iterables

2.3.3.1. How to Unpack Iterables in Python

To assign items of a Python iterables (such as list, tuple, string) to different variables, you can unpack the iterable like below.

nested_arr = [[1, 2, 3], ["a", "b"], 4]
num_arr, char_arr, num = nested_arr
num_arr
[1, 2, 3]
char_arr
['a', 'b']

2.3.3.2. Extended Iterable Unpacking: Ignore Multiple Values when Unpacking a Python Iterable

If you want to ignore multiple values when unpacking a Python iterable, add * to _ as shown below.

This is called “Extended Iterable Unpacking” and is available in Python 3.x.

a, *_, b = [1, 2, 3, 4]
print(a)
1
b
4
_
[2, 3]