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Unique Values , Adding & Removing Elements in Set

  • This lesson teaches how Python sets ensure that all elements are unique.

Creating a Set 

numbers = {10, 20, 30, 40}
print(numbers)

  • Code Description

    A set named numbers is created with four values.

    All elements are stored only once.

Duplicate Values are Removed Automatically

Set Removes Duplicates 

data = {1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5}
print(data)

  • Code Description

    Even though 2 and 4 are repeated, the set stores them only once.

Using set() Constructor 

items = set([1, 2, 3, 3, 4])
print(items)

  • Code Description

    List converted into a set. Duplicate values removed.

    Accessing Set Values

    A set does not support indexing because it is an unordered collection.
    So, you cannot access elements by position like set[0].

Loop Through Set 

colors = {"red", "blue", "green"}

for color in colors:
    print(color)

  • Code Description

    We use a loop to access values because sets are unordered.

add() Method

The add() method is used to add a single element to a set. 

fruits = {"apple", "banana", "mango"}
fruits.add("orange")
print(fruits)

  • Explanation

    •  Adds only one item at a time

    • If item already exists, nothing changes

    • Set automatically avoids duplicates

update() Method

The update() method adds multiple elements to a set. 

numbers = {1, 2, 3}
numbers.update([4, 5, 6])
print(numbers)

  • Explanation

    • Can add list, tuple, or another set

    • Adds many items at once

remove() Method

The remove() method removes a specific element. 

fruits = {"apple", "banana", "mango"}
fruits.remove("banana")
print(fruits)

  • Explanation

    ✔ Removes specified item
    ❌ Gives error if item not found

discard() Method

The discard() method removes an element safely. 

fruits = {"apple", "banana", "mango"}
fruits.discard("banana")
fruits.discard("grapes")  # no error
print(fruits)

  • Explanation

    • No error if item does not exist

    • Safer than remove()

pop() Method

The pop() method removes a random element from the set. 

fruits = {"apple", "banana", "mango"}

removed_item = fruits.pop()

print("Removed:", removed_item)
print(fruits)

  • Explanation

    • Removes random item

    • Useful when order doesn't matter

clear() Method

The clear() method removes all elements from the set. 

fruits = {"apple", "banana", "mango"}
fruits.clear()
print(fruits)

  • Explanation

    • Set becomes empty

    • Set still exists

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