What is the use of the "yield" keyword in Python?

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Jayant Kumar · Accepted Answer

The yield keyword in Python is used in the context of defining generator functions. Generator functions are a special type of function that generate a sequence of values one at a time, allowing you to iterate over large datasets or generate values on-the-fly without having to store them all in memory.
When you use the yield keyword within a function, it turns that function into a generator function. The generator function doesn't execute the whole function body at once; instead, it yields values one by one as you iterate over it. The function's state is preserved between each yield statement, allowing you to resume execution from where it was paused.
Here's a simple example of a generator function using the yield keyword:
def simple_generator():
    yield 1
    yield 2
    yield 3

gen = simple_generator()

for value in gen:
    print(value)

In this example, the simple_generator function is a generator function that yields the values 1, 2, and 3. When you iterate over the generator using a loop, it prints each value one by one. Notice that the function's state is saved between each yield statement, so when the loop iterates, the function continues execution from where it left off.
The benefits of using the yield keyword and generator functions include:
Efficient Memory Usage: Generator functions generate values on-the-fly, so you don't need to store the entire sequence in memory. This is especially useful for working with large datasets.
Lazy Evaluation: Values are generated only when requested, making generators suitable for scenarios where you don't need to process the entire sequence at once.
State Preservation: The function's state is preserved between yield statements, allowing for resumption of execution.
Infinite Sequences: Generator functions can generate infinite sequences, as they don't require creating the entire sequence in memory.
Custom Iterators: You can define custom iterators using generator functions, making it easier to work with complex data structures.
Efficient Pipelines: Generator functions can be chained together in pipelines, enabling efficient data processing.
In summary, the yield keyword allows you to define generator functions that generate values one at a time as you iterate over them. This is a powerful feature for optimizing memory usage and working with large datasets in a memory-efficient manner.

What is the use of the "yield" keyword in Python?

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What is the use of the "yield" keyword in Python?

Jayant Kumar @jayantkumar314

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