What is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?

The statement that lists are mutable while tuples are immutable correctly highlights a fundamental distinction between these two data structures in Python.

Mutability refers to the ability of an object to change after it has been created. Lists can be modified by adding, removing, or replacing elements, which allows for a great deal of flexibility in how data is managed. You can append to a list, remove elements, and sort it, among other operations.

Conversely, tuples cannot be altered once they are created. This immutability means that once you have defined a tuple, the elements within it cannot be changed, added, or removed. This property makes tuples useful in situations where a constant set of values is required, such as keys in a dictionary or to ensure that a dataset remains fixed throughout the execution of a program.

Recognizing this key difference is essential for understanding when to use each data structure effectively within Python programming.