Python Set().add() Method: A Comprehensive Guide

In this tutorial, we will be exploring the Python set().add() method. This is a built-in function in Python that allows you to add an element to a set. It’s important to note that sets are unordered collections of unique elements, meaning they do not allow duplicate values.

Usage of set().add()

The syntax for using the add() method is quite straightforward:

set.add(element)

This method takes one parameter:

• element: This is the item you want to add to the set. It can be of any data type – integer, float, string, etc.

Example of Using set().add()

Let’s look at an example where we use the add() method:

# Create a new set
fruits = {"apple", "banana", "cherry"}

# Use the add() method
fruits.add("orange")

print(fruits)

The output will be:

{"apple", "banana", "cherry", "orange"}

Note on Duplicates in Sets

If you try adding an element that already exists in the set, Python simply ignores it and leaves the original set unchanged. Here’s an example:

# Create a new set
fruits = {"apple", "banana", "cherry"}

# Try adding an existing item
fruits.add("apple")

print(fruits)

The output will still be:

{"apple", "banana", "cherry"}

As you can see, the “apple” was not added a second time.

Conclusion

The set().add() method is a simple yet powerful tool in Python. It allows you to add elements to your sets easily and efficiently. Remember that sets do not allow duplicates, so adding an existing element will have no effect on the set.