Collections

Unpacking

Unpacking binds names from sequences and mappings concisely.

Unpacking binds multiple names from one iterable or mapping. It makes the structure of data visible at the point where values are introduced.

Source

point = (3, 4)
x, y = point
print(x, y)

Output

3 4

Starred unpacking handles variable-length sequences by collecting the middle or remaining values. This keeps common head-tail patterns readable.

Source

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

Output

1 [2, 3] 4

Dictionary unpacking with ** connects structured data to function calls. It is widely used in configuration, adapters, and code that bridges APIs.

Source

def describe(name, language):
    print(name, language)

data = {"name": "Ada", "language": "Python"}
describe(**data)

Output

Ada Python

Notes

Starred unpacking collects the remaining values into a list.
Dictionary unpacking with ** is common when calling functions with structured data.
Prefer indexing when you need one position; prefer unpacking when naming several positions makes the shape clearer.

Run the complete example

3 4
1 [2, 3] 4
Ada Python

Execution time appears here after you run the example.