Python Symmetric Difference with Examples

In this tutorial, you will learn the Python Symmetric Difference Method with Examples that help you to implement this tutorial.

What is Symmetric Difference in Python?

The symmetric_difference() method returns a set that has all the items from both sets but not the items that are in both sets.

The returned set has a mix of things that aren’t in either of the two sets.

Syntax

set.symmetric_difference(set)

Return Value

The symmetric_difference() method returns:

a set with all the items of A and B excluding the excluding the identical items

How Do You Find The Symmetric Difference of Two Lists In Python?

Example 1: Python Set symmetric_difference()

The symmetric difference() method of the Set type gives you the symmetric difference between two or more sets.

new_set = set1.symmetric_difference(set2, set3,...)

For example, to find the symmetric difference between the s1 and s2 sets, do the following:

s1 = {'Python', 'Java', 'C++'}
s2 = {'C#', 'Java', 'C++'}

s = s1.symmetric_difference(s2)
print(s)

Program Output:

{'C#', 'Python'}

Note: that the symmetric difference() method returns a new set and doesn’t change the original sets.

Example 2: Python Symmetric Difference Using ^ Operator

To find the symmetric difference between two or more sets, you can use the set symmetric_difference() method or the symmetric difference operator (^).

new_set = set1 ^ set2 ^...

The example below shows how to use the symmetric difference operator (^) on the sets s1 and s2:

s1 = {'Python', 'Java', 'C++'}
s2 = {'C#', 'Java', 'C++'}

s = s1 ^ s2
print(s)

Program Output:

{'Python', 'C#'}

📌To continue the discussion click the link below: ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Python Symmetric Difference With Examples

Conclusion

The symmetric difference in Python is a useful set operation that helps you identify elements unique to each set, excluding those they share.

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Whether you use the symmetric_difference() method or the ^ operator, both approaches return a new set without modifying the originals.

With the examples provided, you now have a practical understanding of how to apply this method in your Python programs.

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