What is xrange in python?

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What is xrange in python?..

Answer / praveen

In Python, `xrange` is a built-in function that generates an iterator producing a sequence of numbers. It was introduced in Python 2.x and is similar to the `range` function, but with key differences:

*Python 2.x:*

- `xrange` generates an iterator, which yields numbers on-the-fly, without storing them in memory.
- `range` generates a list of numbers, storing them in memory.

*Python 3.x:*

- `xrange` is no longer available; `range` behaves like `xrange` in Python 2.x.
- `range` generates an iterator, producing numbers on-the-fly.

*Key features:*

1. Memory efficiency: `xrange`/`range` uses less memory, especially for large ranges.
2. Lazy evaluation: Numbers are generated only when needed.
3. Faster execution: Iterators are generally faster than lists.

*Example usage:*

Python 2.x:
```
for i in xrange(10):
print(i)
```

Python 3.x:
```
for i in range(10):
print(i)
```

*When to use:*

1. Iterating over large datasets.
2. Memory-constrained environments.
3. Performance-critical loops.

*Replacement in Python 3.x:*

If you're migrating code from Python 2.x to 3.x, replace `xrange` with `range`.

*Additional information:*

- Python documentation: `xrange` (Python 2.x), `range` (Python 3.x)
- PEP 3100: Changing the semantics of `range` to match `xrange`

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