Python Set difference(): Method and - Operator Examples

A.difference(B) returns a new set containing elements in A that are not in B. The - operator provides the same set-to-set operation. Neither form changes A.

The method form can accept iterable arguments; operator forms require set-like operands. To change the original set, use difference_update(). See the Set operations overview for the full comparison.

Set order: sets are unordered. Whenever an example prints a set, the displayed element order can differ between runs or Python environments.

On this page

Video Tutorial on Set
difference using - operator
Using type()
Using difference() method
Using More Than Two Sets
difference() method
difference_update()

Video Tutorial on Set

difference using - operator

All difference elements of first set
Using minus ( - ) operator

A={1,2,3}
B={3,4,5}
print(A - B)

Output

{1,2}

Using type()

We can check the output by using type()

A={1,2,3}
B={3,4,5}
x=A - B 
print(type(x))

Output

<class 'set'>

Using difference() method

A={'a','b','c'}
B={'a','y','z'}
print(A.difference(B))

Output

{'c', 'b'}

Using More Than Two Sets

We can use any number of sets with difference()

A={'a','b','c'}
B={'a','y','z'}
C={'a','b','l'}
print(A - B - C)

Output

{'c'}

difference() method

Using string ( iterable object ) with difference() method

A={'a','b','c','x','y'}
B='Alex'
print(A.difference(B))

Output

{'a', 'c', 'y', 'b'}

Note : we can't use iterable object by using minus ( - ), the difference operator

Using list with difference() method.

A={'a','b','c'}
B=['a','x','y']
print(A.difference(B))

Output

{'c', 'b'}

Below code will generate error.

print(A - B)

 TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for -: 'set' and 'list'

difference_update()

In all above code by using difference() we created a new set. By using difference_update() method we can change the original set with difference elements.
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