Functional Programming in Python: Immutable Data Structures

In this Python tutorial you'll learn the basics of functional programming in Python and how you can use immutable data structures to represent data in your programs.

First, we'll go over what functional programming (FP) is from a computer science perspective and how it compares to other programming paradigms, like object-oriented programming (OOP), or procedural programming.

You'll learn how a functional programming style avoids side-effects and changing state in your programs by focusing on the application of mathematical functions as its core primitive.

Next, we'll take a simple data set and represent it inside our example program using immutable data structures (tuples and namedtuples from the "collections" module built into Python). Immutable data structures cannot be modified in-place and this can help reduce bugs.

This is part of a series of Python functional programming tutorials that I'm recording so stay tuned for the next instalment.

Also, be sure to check out these associated articles if you want to dive deeper into the subject:

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[First_Principals]

Can you do a video for beginners explaining the difference between procedural, functional and OOP. and any other styles of programming. Explaining the pros and cons of each and were you would use each.

[dixone]

Excellent video Dan, thank you. Especially the way you show the data set in mutable data structures, and then recast the same data in immutable data structures in order to force the error, showing the exact difference. Nice.

[mohanbarman]

Nice tutorial but and what python interpreter is ? this You customized it ?

[learn.dataengineering]

Can we say that namedtuple as immutable data strcture, as it has one method _replace, which basically update the values & return new instance.
namedtuple._replace(**kwargs)

[absar]

Great tutorial series... pls keep on adding...btw-which python editor you are using here ? Thanks

Thanx for the video! Loved the REPL :) Quick question, what about `Scientist(name='foo', field=None, born='1800', nobel=1)` type of attribute? `nobel` becomes `int` and it will kind of break our data's structure right? I feel like, create a class and make the restrictions there... What do you think?

[imxron]

Is there a way to use a Class instead of a named tuple? Would we gain anything? And is there a benefit to using a named tuple here instead? Also the daily emails are pretty awesome. I much rather read that than waste my time on social media, so thanks!

[naeemkhoshnevis]

Great explanation for immutable data structures. Thanks.

[MrJos]

Interesting, u should keep posting more videos like this

[pythondjango]

I'm a Python dev wannabe and your YT video are awesome! Plus, it's a great way to promote your Python Tricks book, since your videos clearly explain each topic without confusing me, I bet your book is even better and with more Python information. I'm going to buy it before the price increases. P.S. no this is not a paid or free advertisement. lol I just want everyone to know they have more ways to learn Python from Dan the Man.

[sunnz]

Very interesting thanks Dan! Look forward to map reduce and stuff!

[serhiy]

How did you set up your terminal to have code highlighting?

[roshcoben]

I always use dictionaries, not sure when I should rather use immutable structures such as named tuples... Also, would it be a good idea to use class objects instead of named tuples?... I think I will learn a lot! Thank you!

[OmarMiranda]

wow! You use my suggestion of women in science :D :D
Great tutorial btw!

[jaleshjalesh]

why did record video with such low volume??

[CarlosWashingtonMercado]

2:40 Did you mean SQL? Because if that's the case, that's not how it is pronounced.

[funkmaster]

Are you Dutch? You sound like a Dutch person trying hard to sound American. Thanks for the video though.