Python Enumerate

Did you know that Python has a variety of functions to offer? Do you want to upscale your programming skills by learning about them? Let’s learn about the function of Python enumerate in this blog. 

The function adds a counter to the iterable and returns it. Do you want to learn and understand it in-depth? Then this blog is all you need as it will walk you through the descriptive details of the necessary features that you require to learn when using enumerate in Python. Furthermore, it will also provide you with a gist of the uses of this function and give a brief of the advantages and disadvantages that it comes with. 

Python Enumerate: An Overview

This function in Python keeps a count of iterations (an object containing a countable number of values) and eases the tasks of the programmers. It helps you add a counter to an iterable and then return it in the enumerating form. It can be used directly or in tuples using the list () function in Python. 

The syntax used in enumerate is:

enumerate(iterable, start=0)

The iterable in the syntax as mentioned above is any object that supports the iteration and the start is the index value from the start of the counter which will be 0 by default.

An example:

# Python program to illustrate
# enumerate function
l1 = ["eat", "sleep", "repeat"]
s1 = "geek"

# creating enumerate objects
obj1 = enumerate(l1)
obj2 = enumerate(s1)

print ("Return type:", type(obj1))
print (list(enumerate(l1)))

# changing start index to 2 from 0
print (list(enumerate(s1, 2)))

In the upcoming sections of this blog, we will talk about the working of enumerating, and looping over, why it is used extensively, and the advantages and disadvantages of this function. You can also enroll yourself in this online Python course for a better grasp of the subject. 

Why is Enumerate used Extensively?

Enumerate function in Python is a favorable choice as it provides a few reasons that help make the programmers’ tasks easier. The following points explain its popularity:

• It provides a convenient way of iterating a sequence and also tracks the index. 
• The simplicity and readability that it offers save the time of programmers.
• It automatedly performs tasks that can be repeatable and simplifies the code for better readability. 
• It makes the handling of nested iteration convenient. 

An example:

fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'orange']

for index, fruit in enumerate(fruits):
    print(f"Index: {index}, Fruit: {fruit}")

The output of the example would be:

Index: 0, Fruit: apple

Index: 1, Fruit: banana

Index: 2, Fruit: orange

In the above example, the enumerate() function allows the programmer to access both the index and the value of the object which makes the code concise and easier to understand. The next section will put light on the working of enumerate() function with a descriptive example. 

Working of Enumerate() Function

The enumerate() function works by iterating over a sequence and allowing the index to keep track simultaneously. The following example explains the work of enumerate() function in detail:

grocery = ['bread', 'milk', 'butter']
enumerateGrocery = enumerate(grocery)

print(type(enumerateGrocery))

# converting to list
print(list(enumerateGrocery))

# changing the default counter
enumerateGrocery = enumerate(grocery, 10)
print(list(enumerateGrocery))

The following will be an output for the example mentioned above:

<class ‘enumerate’>

[(0, ‘bread’), (1, ‘milk’), (2, ‘butter’)]

[(10, ‘bread’), (11, ‘milk’), (12, ‘butter’)]

Looping Over in Enumerate Object

It is the control flow statement that allows the code to be executed repeatedly. The following example explains how you can iterate through the loops in the enumerate() function:

grocery = ['bread', 'milk', 'butter']

for item in enumerate(grocery):
  print(item)

print()

for count, item in enumerate(grocery):
  print(count, item)

print()

# changing default start value
for count, item in enumerate(grocery, 100):
  print(count, item)

The output for the example given above will be:

(0, ‘bread’)

(1, ‘milk’)

(2, ‘butter’)

0 bread

1 milk

2 butter

100 bread

101 milk

102 butter

Advantages and Disadvantages of Python Enumerate

The table below explains the advantages and disadvantages of the enumerate() function in Python:

Advantages	Disadvantages
It simplifies the iterating process in Python.	It takes up additional memory usage.
It offers self-explanatory readability which makes it easier for the programmers to understand.	It has a slight performance impact in some cases.
It provides the service of concise codes.	It provides limited control over the index.
It offers flexibility.	You can only use this enumerate() function if you have adequate knowledge about Python.

Conclusion

This blog gave you a descriptive insight into Python enumerate. It keeps a count of iterations and tends to ease the tasks of programmers by providing accessible readability and flexibility of concise codes. However, it is important to have an understanding of the subject before you get your hands on this in-built function of Python.