Step into the fascinating world of Python programming as we delve into the concept of DeQue in collections. As game creators and developers, understanding the functionality and practicality of DeQue will enhance your coding efficiency and open up a new route to tackle data processing.
Table of contents
What is DeQue?
A part of the collections module, DeQue, which is short for Double Ended Queue, is an exciting data structure in Python. It’s akin to a ‘deque’ imitating real-life queues but with a twist, as elements can be inserted or removed from both ends.
DeQue has an edge over lists in Python as it brings more flexibility and speed, especially when dealing with larger data sets. Let’s imagine being in a gaming scenario where you have an inventory of weapons to navigate. You can add, remove or fetch weapons from anywhere in this ‘queue’ using DeQue, making it a preferred choice for an immersive and responsive gaming experience.
With its speedy and adaptable capabilities, mastering DeQue improves your data handling proficiency. For developers and coders, understanding DeQue does not only boost your Python knowledge but is also a practical skill that can be used in various applications, including game development and artificial intelligence.
How to Use DeQue – A Basic Example
Let’s begin our journey in understanding DeQue with a simple example. Firstly, to use deque in Python, you need to import it from the collections module:
import collections # creating deque de = collections.deque([1,2,3]) print(de)
Running this code will output: deque([1, 2, 3]). We’ve successfully created a deque with elements 1, 2 and 3.
Adding Elements in DeQue
Now, let’s look at how to add elements in DeQue using the append() and appendleft() functions:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,3])
# adding elements to the right
de.append(4)
print('Deque after adding element at end : ',de)
# adding elements to the left
de.appendleft(0)
print('Deque after adding element at start : ',de)The append() function adds a value at the right end whereas appendleft() adds a value at the left end. In our example, ‘4’ is added to the end of our deque and ‘0’ is added to the start.
Removing Elements in DeQue
Similarly, you can remove elements from both ends of the DeQue using pop() and popleft() functions:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,3,4])
# removing element from the end
de.pop()
print('Deque after deleting element from end : ',de)
# removing element from the start
de.popleft()
print('Deque after deleting element from start : ',de)The pop() function removes and returns an element from the right side of the deque whereas popleft() removes an element from the left side.
Using DeQue in Extended Applications
Here we’ll discuss how deque can be used for more extended applications such as rotating items or even reversing the whole deque:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,3,4,5])
# rotating the deque
de.rotate(-1)
print('Deque after left rotation : ',de)
# reversing the deque
de.reverse()
print('Deque after reversing : ',de)The rotate function rotates the deque by the number given as an argument. A positive number rotates to the right, a negative to the left. The reverse function, as the name suggests, reverses the elements of deque.
And voila! You’ve mastered the basics of DeQue in Python. Armed with this new Python instrument, you’re one step closer to becoming a more proficient game developer or coder!
Clearing the DeQue
We might encounter scenarios where we need to empty or clear the existing DeQue. Python makes this operation straightforward with the clear() function:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,3,4,5])
# clearing the deque
de.clear()
print('Deque after clearing : ',de)The clear() function will clear all elements in the DeQue, leaving us with an empty DeQue as shown by the output: deque([]).
Inserting Elements at a Specific Position
Unlike lists, adjusting elements at specific positions in a DeQue is not inherently supported. But fear not, Python’s insert() method allows us to do just that:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,3,4,5])
# inserting elements at a specific position
de.insert(2, 'new')
print('Deque after inserting element at specific position : ',de)Here, the insert() function is used to insert the string “new” at the second position of the DeQue.
Deleting Elements at a Specific Position
Continuing on, let’s peek at how to remove elements at a specific position. The pop() function is our friend this time:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,3,4,5])
# deleting elements at specific position
del de[2]
print('Deque after deleting element at specific position : ',de)The del function helps us to delete the element at the second position of the DeQue as seen in the output.
Counting the Occurrences of Elements
It can often be necessary to count the number of occurrences of a certain element in the DeQue. Python allows us to do that easily with the count() function:
import collections
de = collections.deque([1,2,1,1,2,3,4,2,5])
# counting occurrences of an element
count = de.count(2)
print('Number of occurrences of 2 : ',count)The count function counts the number of occurrences of the element ‘2’ in our DeQue.
Operating on DeQue in Thread-Safe Manner
Python’s DeQue is built to be thread-safe and can be used in a multi-threaded environment. Check out how elements can be added or removed in a thread-safe manner:
import collections
from threading import Thread
de = collections.deque([1,2,3,4,5])
def thread_function():
de.append(6)
print('Deque after append in thread: ', de)
# created Thread
t = Thread(target=thread_function)
# starting thread
t.start()
# wait until thread finishes its job
t.join()In this example, we safely appended ‘6’ to DeQue in a new thread. This is one of the ways we provide concurrency handling in Python.
Where to Go Next?
Mountain climber Sir Edmund Hillary famously said, “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”. Becoming a coding maestro is similar to scaling a mountain. Each line of code is a step and the journey is one of self-discovery and growth. Now that you have scaled the height of DeQue in Python, your exploratory trek awaits. Where to next?
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Conclusion
Acquiring Python skills such as understanding DeQue doesn’t just make you a better coder—it opens up a world of opportunities. Whether you’re working on a passion project, aiming to secure a promising job, or simply ensuring that your skills remain cutting-edge and relevant, Python programming is an essential tool in your coding toolkit.
The digital world is your sandbox, and Python is one of the most powerful tools you can use to mold it to your liking. To put it into perspective, every line of code you write is a brick in your ever-evolving castle. Get ready to level up and create something extraordinary with us at Zenva.
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