Python iter() method (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 11 Dec, 2024

Python iter() method is a built-in method that allows to create an iterator from an iterable. An iterator is an object that enables us to traverse through a collection of items one element at a time. Let’s start by understanding how iter() works with a simple example.

Python `

a = [10, 20, 30, 40]

Convert the list into an iterator

iterator = iter(a)

Access elements using next()

print(next(iterator))
print(next(iterator))

`

Table of Content

• Syntax of iter() method
• Examples of iter() Method
• Frequently Asked Questions on iter() Method

Syntax of iter() method

iterator = iter(iterable)

**Parameters

• iterable: Any object capable of returning its elements one at a time. Examples include lists, tuples, dictionaries, and strings.

**Return Type

• Returns an **iterator object that can be used with the next() function or a for loop to access the elements sequentially.

**Examples of iter() Method

**Using iter() with String

Python `

Convert string to iterator

s = "Python" iterator = iter(s)

print(next(iterator))
print(next(iterator))

`

**Using iter() with Dictionary

Python `

d = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3} iterator = iter(d)

for key in iterator: print(key)

`

**Using iter() with Callable and Sentinel

Python `

Generate numbers until sentinel value is encountered

import random

iterator = iter(lambda: random.randint(1, 5), 3) for num in iterator: print(num)

`