Multiple Assignment

Python allows assigning multiple variables simultaneously. This isn't just syntactic sugar; it's essential for many algorithmic patterns. Understanding how it works internally helps you avoid subtle bugs. Swapping Without Temp Vars In most languages, swapping two variables requires a temporary variable. Python evaluates the right side completely before assigning, enabling direct swaps: This works because Python evaluates (b, a) as a tuple first, THEN unpacks it into (a, b). This pattern is critical for in-place array algorithms like reversing, rotating, or partitioning: Reverse an Array In-Place Cycle Detection (Floyd's Algorithm) Parallel Assignment Initialize multiple variables on one line. All values on the right are evaluated before any assignment occurs: Two pointers pattern: Sequence