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home / developersection / forums / how to unpack a collection in python
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how to Unpack a Collection in python

Ravi Vishwakarma 1685 10 Sep 2025

how to Unpack a Collection in python with example 

python python-3.4
Updated 10 Sep 2025
Ravi Vishwakarma
Ravi Vishwakarma

IT-Hardware & Networking

Ravi Vishwakarma is a dedicated Software Developer with a passion for crafting efficient and innovative solutions. With a keen eye for detail and years of experience, he excels in developing robust software systems that meet client needs. His expertise spans across multiple programming languages and technologies, making him a valuable asset in any software development project.

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1 Answers

Anubhav Sharma
Anubhav Sharma 10 Sep 2025
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In Python, unpacking means expanding a collection (like a list, tuple, set, or dict) into individual elements.

1. Unpack Lists / Tuples

nums = [1, 2, 3]

a, b, c = nums
print(a, b, c)  # 1 2 3

With * (extended unpacking)

nums = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

first, *middle, last = nums
print(first)   # 1
print(middle)  # [2, 3, 4]
print(last)    # 5

2. Unpack in Function Calls

def add(a, b, c):
    return a + b + c

nums = [1, 2, 3]
print(add(*nums))  # 6

3. Unpack Dictionaries (**)

def greet(name, age):
    print(f"Hello {name}, you are {age} years old.")

person = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25}
greet(**person)
# Hello Alice, you are 25 years old.

4. Merge Collections

list1 = [1, 2]
list2 = [3, 4]
merged = [*list1, *list2]
print(merged)  # [1, 2, 3, 4]

dict1 = {"a": 1}
dict2 = {"b": 2}
merged_dict = {**dict1, **dict2}
print(merged_dict)  # {'a': 1, 'b': 2}

5. Ignore Values with _

nums = [10, 20, 30]
a, _, c = nums
print(a, c)  # 10 30

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