Python Set difference() Method
Example
Return a set that contains the items that only exist in set
x, and not in set y:
x =
{"apple", "banana", "cherry"}
y = {"google",
"microsoft", "apple"}
z = x.difference(y)
print(z)
Try it Yourself »
Definition and Usage
The difference() method returns a set that
contains the difference between two sets.
Meaning: The returned set contains items that exist only in the first set, and not in both sets.
As a shortcut, you can use the - operator instead, see example below.
Syntax
set.difference(set1, set2 ... etc.)
Parameter Values
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| set1 | Required. The set(s) to check for differences in. |
| set2 | Optional. The other set to search for equal items in. You can compare as many sets you like. Separate the sets with a comma. See examples below. |
Shorter Syntax
set - set1 - set2 ....
etc.
Parameter Values
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| set1 | Required. The set(s) to check for differences in. |
| set2 | Optional. The other set to search for equal items in. You can compare as many sets you like. Separate the sets with -
(a minus operator).See examples below. |
More Examples
Example
Use - as a shortcut instead of difference():
a =
{"apple", "banana", "cherry"}
b = {"google",
"microsoft", "apple"}
myset = a - b
print(myset)
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Example
Join more than two sets:
a =
{"apple", "banana", "cherry"}
b = {"google",
"microsoft", "apple"}
c = {"cherry",
"micra", "bluebird"}
myset = a.difference(b, c)
print(myset)
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Example
Join more than two sets with the - operator:
a =
{"apple", "banana", "cherry"}
b = {"google",
"microsoft", "apple"}
c = {"cherry",
"micra", "bluebird"}
myset = a - b - c
print(myset)
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Example
Reverse the example on the top of this page. Return a set that contains the items
that only exist in set y, and not in set
x:
x =
{"apple", "banana", "cherry"}
y = {"google",
"microsoft", "apple"}
z = y.difference(x)
print(z)
Try it Yourself »
Related Pages
Tutorial: Python Sets
Tutorial: Join Python Sets
Method: difference_update()
