Set Mutations in Python Challenge on HackerRank

Set Mutations in Python is a challenge on HackerRank. The task teaches you how to change a set using update, intersection_update, difference_update, and symmetric_difference_update.

What Are Set Mutations in Python

A set stores unique values. Mutation methods change the set directly.

• update adds new items from another set
• intersection_update keeps only the common items
• difference_update removes matching items
• symmetric_difference_update keeps only the different items

These methods help you compare lists, filter values, and clean data in real projects.

Full Code for Set Mutations in Python

Below is the complete working solution used in the challenge.

n = int(input())
set_A = set(map(int, input().split()))

num = int(input())

for _ in range(num):
    
   task = input().split()
   operation = task[0]
   other_set = set(map(int, input().split()))

   if operation == 'update':
   set_A.update(other_set)
   
   elif operation == 'intersection_update':
   set_A.intersection_update(other_set)

   elif operation == 'symmetric_difference_update':
   set_A.symmetric_difference_update(other_set)

   elif operation == 'difference_update':
   set_A.difference_update(other_set)

print(sum(set_A))

Line-by-Line Code Explanation

Step 1: Read the main set size

n = int(input())

You read how many values the main set contains.

Step 2: Read and Create the Main Set in Set Mutations in Python

set_A = set(map(int, input().split()))

• Reads numbers in one line
• Converts them to integers
• Converts them to a set of unique values

Step 3: Read the number of operations

num = int(input())

This tells how many mutation commands you will run.

Step 4: Start the loop

for _ in range(num):

You repeat the next steps num times.

Step 5: Read the operation name

task = input().split() 
operation = task[0]

You read the command like update or difference_update.

Step 6: Read the other set

other_set = set(map(int, input().split()))

You read another set that will affect the main set.

Step 7: Apply the Correct Mutation in Set Mutations in Python

if operation == 'update':
    set_A.update(other_set)

update adds items from other_set.
Example: {1,2} update {2,3} → {1,2,3}

elif operation == 'intersection_update': 
    set_A.intersection_update(other_set)

Keeps only common values.
Example: {1,2,3} ∩ {2,3,4} → {2,3}

elif operation == 'symmetric_difference_update': 
    set_A.symmetric_difference_update(other_set)

Keeps only different values.
Example: {1,2} ^ {2,3} → {1,3}

elif operation == 'difference_update': 
   set_A.difference_update(other_set)

Removes matching values.
Example: {1,2,3} minus {2} → {1,3}

Step 8: Print the final result

print(sum(set_A))

Adds all numbers in the final set and prints the total.

Why Set Mutations in Python Are Useful

• Helps clean and compare data
• Good for filtering values
• Useful in coding tests
• Simple way to manage unique numbers
• Common in real-world Python tasks

Example

Main set: {10, 20, 30}
Other set: {20, 40}
Operation: difference_update

Resulting set: {10, 30}
Sum = 40

FAQs

What is the goal of this challenge

You apply several mutation operations and print the sum of the final set.

Does the order of operations matter

Yes, because every operation changes the main set.

Why is a set used instead of a list

A set removes duplicates and is faster for these operations.

Which mutation changes the set the most

update adds many values, symmetric_difference_update creates a new unique mix.

Do mutation operations create a new set

No, they modify the set in place.

Learn more about Python’s official documentation on Python.org.

Visit YouTube to View the Complete Solution

Check out my YouTube tutorial, where I run and walk through this exact code in real time, if you want a step-by-step video explanation.

Final Note

Set Mutations in Python gives you a solid understanding of how sets change when you use update, intersection_update, difference_update, and symmetric_difference_update. These operations help you compare values, remove unwanted items, and keep useful data in a clean way. Once you understand these mutations, you can handle many real data tasks with more confidence and solve coding problems faster.

Related Post:

Python Symmetric Difference HackerRank Challenge

Python set difference() Full Explanation with HackerRank Solution

Conclusion

Set Mutations in Python is an important topic for anyone learning Python. These operations help you manage unique values, compare data, and solve problems faster. You understand how update, intersection_update, difference_update, and symmetric_difference_update change a set in clear steps. This knowledge builds a strong base for data analysis and coding challenges.

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