The range() method in Python is a useful built-in utility that simplifies working with sequences of numerical values. Rather than writing out 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, you can simply instruct Python to generate a range from 0 to 4. Furthermore, you can tailor how the numbers in your range are distributed, such as counting by twos or specifying a starting point and an endpoint. In this article, you’ll discover all there is to know about the Python range() method, learn various ways to apply it, and examine practical demonstrations.
The range() function in Python serves as a built-in method that produces a series of numbers within a specified interval. It can be used to count sequentially one by one or to omit numbers by a certain step. This function is incredibly beneficial when you’re crafting loops in your code, such as executing a task five times or iterating through a list based on numbers. You can use range() with one, two, or three parameters to set the start, stop, and step of your series. It’s frequently employed in loops to control how many times a block of code needs to execute or to create indices for looping through lists and other data structures.
Syntax:
range(start, stop, step)
Parameters:
start: The initial number to begin the sequence.
stop: The number immediately following the last number in the sequence.
step: The interval between each number in the sequence. Return: generates an object that functions like a list of numbers.
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The range() method in Python can be employed in three distinct manners: by supplying a single number to count from 0 up to that number, by providing a starting and stopping number to form a range in between, or by adding a third number to dictate the step size while counting. Let’s explore how each of these variations functions.
1. range(stop) in Python
When you invoke the range() function with a single argument, it yields a range object that acts like a sequence of numbers beginning from 0 up to the value you specify, without including the stopping value.
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jQuery(".maineditor34450 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn34450 i.run-code").hide();
}
})
}
function hideOutput34450() {
var script = editor34450.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor34450 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn34450").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard34450);
document.getElementById("runBtn34450").addEventListener("click", executeCode34450);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn34450").addEventListener("click", hideOutput34450);
Result:
Clarification: In this case, the loop commences at 0 and runs up to 5 (since 6 is excluded). It outputs 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 sequentially.
2. range(start,stop) in Python
When you invoke the range() function with two parameters, it provides a collection of numbers starting from the initial value you supply, extending to the second value, excluding the stop number.
Format:
range(start, stop)
Illustration:
Python
Code Copied!
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editor41555.clearSelection();
editor41555.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML41555(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard41555() {
const script = editor41555.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(script).then(() => {
jQuery(".maineditor41555 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor41555 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Issue copying code: ", err);
});
}
"+responseData+"");
jQuery(".maineditor41555 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn41555 i.run-code").hide();
}
})
}
function hideOutput41555() {
var script = editor41555.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor41555 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn41555").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard41555);
document.getElementById("runBtn41555").addEventListener("click", executeCode41555);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn41555").addEventListener("click", hideOutput41555);
Result:
Clarification: Here, the loop starts at 0 and concludes at 5 (as 6 is omitted). Each digit is displayed on a new line.
3. range(start, stop, step) in Python
When you invoke the range() function with three parameters, it generates a collection of numbers beginning from the first number you provide up to the second number, excluding the stop number and incremented by the step size specified.
Format:
range(start, stop, step)
``````html
Illustration:
Python
Code Copied!
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editor26770.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor26770.clearSelection();
editor26770.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML26770(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard26770() {
const code = editor26770.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
jQuery(".maineditor26770 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor26770 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode26770() {
var code = editor26770.getSession().getValue();
function closeoutput26770() {
jQuery(".maineditor26770 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Bind event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn26770").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard26770);
document.getElementById("runBtn26770").addEventListener("click", runCode26770);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn26770").addEventListener("click", closeoutput26770);
Outcome:
Clarification: In this case, the loop initiates at 0 and ceases before 10, with a step of 2. Thus, it outputs every second number: 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8.
Increasing the Range() with a Positive Step in Python
When you intend for your loop to count upward (increment), ensure that you utilize a positive step value in range(). By default, the step is set to 1, so range(start, stop) will automatically count by 1. If you wish to omit certain numbers while counting upward, you may specify a greater positive step, such as 2 or 3.
Illustration
Python
Code Copied!
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editor55434.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor55434.clearSelection();
editor55434.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML55434(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard55434() {
const code = editor55434.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
jQuery(".maineditor55434 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor55434 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode55434() {
var code = editor55434.getSession().getValue();
function closeoutput55434() {
var code = editor55434.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor55434 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn55434").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard55434);
document.getElementById("runBtn55434").addEventListener("click", runCode55434);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn55434").addEventListener("click", closeoutput55434);
```
Output
Explanation: In this scenario, the loop begins at 1 and concludes before reaching 20, incrementing by 3. Therefore, it displays each third number starting from 1: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19.
Decrementing the Range using a Negative Step in Python
To make your loop count down (decrement), ensure you utilize a negative step value in range(). By default, the step is positive, hence to decrement, you must assign it a negative number such as -1. To skip certain numbers while decrementing, a larger negative step can be specified, like -2 or -3.
Example:
Python
Code Copied!
var isMobile = window.innerWidth ");
editor45941.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor45941.clearSelection();
editor45941.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML45941(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard45941() {
const code = editor45941.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
jQuery(".maineditor45941 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor45941 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode45941() {
var code = editor45941.getSession().getValue();
function closeoutput45941() {
var code = editor45941.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor45941 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn45941").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard45941);
document.getElementById("runBtn45941").addEventListener("click", runCode45941);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn45941").addEventListener("click", closeoutput45941);
Output:
Explanation: In this instance, the loop begins at 25 and concludes before reaching 10, decrementing by -2. Thus, it outputs every second number decreasing from 25: 25, 23, 21, 19, 17, 15, 13, and 11.
Python range() with Float Values
The range() function in Python does not operate with floating-point or non-integer values; it solely accepts integer numbers for its parameters.
Example:
Code Copied!
editor30959.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor30959.clearSelection();
editor30959.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML30959(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard30959() {
const code = editor30959.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
jQuery(".maineditor30959 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor30959 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode30959() {
var code = editor30959.getSession().getValue();
function closeoutput30959() {
var code = editor30959.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor30959 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn30959").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard30959);
document.getElementById("runBtn30959").addEventListener("click", runCode30959);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn30959").addEventListener("click", closeoutput30959);
Output:
Explanation: In this case, the range() function solely accepts integers. Given that 5.3 is a floating-point number, this code will generate an error.
Effective Approaches to Utilize range() in Python
1. Merging Two range() Objects using itertools chain() methods
You can combine the outcomes of two range() functions through the chain() method from the itertools module. The chain() method accepts multiple sequences and unifies them, displaying all elements consecutively.
Example:
Python
Code Copied!
var isMobile = window.innerWidth ");
editor78758.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor78758.clearSelection();
editor78758.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML78758(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard78758() {
const code = editor78758.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
jQuery(".maineditor78758 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor78758 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode78758() {
var code = editor78758.getSession().getValue();
function closeoutput78758() {
var code = editor78758.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor78758 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn78758").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard78758);
document.getElementById("runBtn78758").addEventListener("click", runCode78758);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn78758").addEventListener("click", closeoutput78758);
Output:
``````html
Clarification: In this example, the program merges two range() sequences with the chain() function from the itertools module. Initially, it displays numbers from 0 to 5, followed by numbers commencing from 1 and extending up to 19 with a step of 3.
2. Accessing range() Elements by Index in Python
The range() function yields an object that includes a sequence of integers that can be accessed via their index. You can utilize both positive and negative indices to retrieve the numbers within the sequence.
Illustration:
Python
Code Copied!
var isMobile = window.innerWidth ");
editor10749.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor10749.clearSelection();
editor10749.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML10749(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard10749() {
const code = editor10749.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
function closeoutput10749() {
var code = editor10749.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor10749 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn10749").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard10749);
document.getElementById("runBtn10749").addEventListener("click", runCode10749);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn10749").addEventListener("click", closeoutput10749);
Outcome:
Clarification: In this instance, the program showcases selected elements from the number sequence generated by range (20). It displays the initial element, the final element, and the eighth element.
3. range() function with List in Python
This example illustrates how to create a list and utilize range() to iterate through and print each item in the list.
Illustration:
Python
Code Copied!
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editor63852.setValue(decodedContent); // Establish the initial text
editor63852.clearSelection();
editor63852.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
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function decodeHTML63852(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
``````html
"text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to duplicate code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard63852() {
const code = editor63852.getValue(); // Fetch code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code duplicated to clipboard!");
function closeOutput63852() {
var code = editor63852.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor63852 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Link event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn63852").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard63852);
document.getElementById("runBtn63852").addEventListener("click", executeCode63852);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn63852").addEventListener("click", closeOutput63852);
Output:
Explanation: Here, the script generates a list of course titles and employs the range() function to iterate through each index, displaying the course titles sequentially.
Utilizing range() in Nested Loops in Python
One can apply range() in nested loops to design patterns or process data with multiple dimensions, such as tables.
Example:
Python
Code Duplicated!
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editor33511.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default content
editor33511.clearSelection();
editor33511.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML33511(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to duplicate code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard33511() {
const code = editor33511.getValue(); // Fetch code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code duplicated to clipboard!");
function closeOutput33511() {
var code = editor33511.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor33511 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Link event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn33511").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard33511);
document.getElementById("runBtn33511").addEventListener("click", executeCode33511);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn33511").addEventListener("click", closeOutput33511);
Output:
Explanation: This program includes nested loops which produce pairs of numbers. The outer loop (i) iterates from 1 to 3, and for each i value, the inner loop (j) also traverses from 1 to 3. It displays each pair of (i, j) numbers line by line.
Recommended Practices for Utilizing range() Function in Python
1. Prefer range() over list: When iterating through numbers, utilize the range() function directly in your for loop to conserve memory. Avoid converting it into a list unless absolutely required.
2. Be cautious about the stop value: Keep in mind that the stop value isn’t included. If you intend to include the end value, ensure to adjust accordingly.
``````html
to modify it appropriately.
3. Select significant start, stop, and step values: Always opt for distinct and suitable values for start, stop, and step to prevent misunderstandings and errors in your code.
4. Refrain from utilizing floats: The range() function exclusively operates with integers. If you require dealing with floating-point numbers, consider using numpy.arange() or a bespoke loop.
5. Implement a negative step for countdowns: When aiming to generate a diminishing sequence, ensure you indicate a negative step value.
Applications of the range() Function in Python
1. Iterating a defined number of times If you intend to perform an action repeatedly, such as processing a list of items, you can leverage range() with for to iterate the appropriate number of times.
2. Producing sequences of numbers The range() can swiftly generate numbers essential for calculations, such as a series of test scores or years.
3. Accessing elements via index When handling lists, you can utilize range(len(list)) to retrieve each index and access elements by their index.
4. Forming tables or patterns By employing nested range() loops, you can develop multiplication tables, matrices, or other repetitive formats.
5. Regulating steps in loops You can apply a step value in the range() loop to bypass numbers, reverse a list, or interact with every other element in the loop.
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This article delved into the Python range function comprehensively and how it can be employed to create efficient loops and numerical sequences within your code. We explored its three variations using one, two, or three parameters and examined practical instances to demonstrate their functionality in real-world situations. By grasping how to effectively utilize the range function and being aware of common pitfalls, you can craft cleaner and more efficient Python code. Mastering the range function is a simple yet impactful step towards becoming a more proficient Python developer.
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Python range() Function – FAQs
Q1. What does range(1, 10, 2) yield?
It yields a sequence of numbers beginning from 1 up to (but excluding) 10, incrementing by 2. Thus, it generates: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
Q2. What is the role of range() in a for loop?
In a for loop, range() serves to generate a sequence of numbers that the loop can iterate over. For instance, for i in range(5): will iterate 5 times.
Q3. How can I create a list of numbers from 1 to 100 in Python?
Utilize list(range(1, 101)) to generate a list of numbers from 1 to 100.
Q4 Can range() utilize a negative step?
Indeed, if you implement a negative step (such as range(10, 0, -1)), it counts down rather than up.
Q5. Does range() encompass the stop value?
No, the stop value is not included. For instance, range(5) consists of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 — it halts prior to 5.
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