Which type of data structure is immutable and cannot be changed once created?

Which type of data structure is immutable and cannot be changed once created?

• A. List
• B. Set
• C. Tuple
• D. Array

Answer: (C)

A tuple is the correct answer as it is a type of data structure in Python that is immutable. Once a tuple is created, its elements cannot be changed, added, or removed. This immutability makes tuples useful for storing fixed collections of items, where the integrity of the data must be maintained throughout the program. Tuples also have a lightweight structure, which can offer performance benefits over other data structures like lists when dealing with a large number of elements that do not require modification. Since they are immutable, tuples can be used as keys in dictionaries or as elements in sets, which requires hashable types. The other options represent data structures that are mutable and can be altered after their creation. Lists and arrays allow for extensive modifications including adding, removing, or changing elements, while sets allow for changes to the collection of unique items they hold, providing flexibility that tuples do not possess.

A tuple is the correct answer as it is a type of data structure in Python that is immutable. Once a tuple is created, its elements cannot be changed, added, or removed. This immutability makes tuples useful for storing fixed collections of items, where the integrity of the data must be maintained throughout the program.

Tuples also have a lightweight structure, which can offer performance benefits over other data structures like lists when dealing with a large number of elements that do not require modification. Since they are immutable, tuples can be used as keys in dictionaries or as elements in sets, which requires hashable types.

The other options represent data structures that are mutable and can be altered after their creation. Lists and arrays allow for extensive modifications including adding, removing, or changing elements, while sets allow for changes to the collection of unique items they hold, providing flexibility that tuples do not possess.