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Python Functions, Packing, and Unpacking Packing and Unpacking Packing, a Practical Example

Leah Kelly
Leah Kelly
4,141 Points

what is the function sum()?

sum() seems a lot like len(). Help!

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,268 Points

Well, assuming you are using these with lists, len() gives you how many things are in it, but sum() adds up the values of the things in it.

So for example, if your list contained [ 4, 5, 6 ] then len(mylist) would be 3, but sum(mylist) would be 15.

Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points

There's great documentation on the built-in functions sum() and len()!

Leah Kelly
Leah Kelly
4,141 Points

That makes a LOT more sense, thank you. 😊