How to use the range function in Python

What is the range() function?

The range function in Python generates a random list of numbers which is generally used to iterate over items using for loops.

Uses cases:

A range function might be called:

  • When an action needs to be performed N number of times.

  • In order to iterate over any iterable object.

Range() parameters

The range() function has two sets of parameters:

  • range(stop)

  • range(start, stop, step)

Here is what these terms mean:

Start: Starting number of the sequence.

Stop: Generate integers (whole numbers) up to, but not including this number.

Step: Difference between each number in the sequence.

Note: All parameters must be integers and can either be positive or negative.

range() is 0-index based, meaning list indexes start at 0, not 1.

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Implementation

Now let’s take a look at an example implementing the range() function.

# One parameter
print "Sequence with One parameter"
for i in range(4):
  print(i)
# Two parameters
print "Sequence with Two parameters"
for i in range(2, 8):
  print(i)
# Three parameters
print "Sequence with Three parameters"
for i in range(5, 12, 3):
  print(i)
# Going backwards
print "Backward Sequence"
for i in range(20, -10, -5):  
  print(i)
    
# iterating a list
print "Printing List Elements"
mylist = ['alpha', 'bravo', 'charlie']
for i in range(0, len(mylist)): #len function calculates the length of the list  
  print(mylist[i])

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