Python Set symmetric_difference(): Method and ^ Operator

A.symmetric_difference(B) returns a new set containing elements found in either input but not in both. The ^ operator is the set-to-set equivalent.

The method form accepts an iterable argument, while the operator form requires set-like operands. To change the original set, use symmetric_difference_update(). See the Set operations overview.

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
symmetric_difference using ^ operator
Using type()
Using symmetric_difference() method
Using More Than Two Sets
symmetric_difference() method
symmetric_difference_update()

Video Tutorial on Set

symmetric_difference using ^ operator

All elements except the Common elements in sets
Using caret ( ^ ) operator

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

Output ( Note 3 is the only common element so all elements without 3 is returned.)

{1, 2, 4, 5}

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 symmetric_difference() method

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

Output

{'b', 'y', 'z', 'c'}

Using More Than Two Sets

We can use any number of sets with symmetric_difference()

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

Output

{'y', 'a', 'l', 'b', 'k', 'z', 'c'}

symmetric_difference() method

Using string ( iterable object ) with symmetric_difference() method

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

Output

{'y', 'a', 'l', 'e', 'A', 'b', 'c'}

Note : we can't use iterable object by using ampersand ( ^ ), the symmetric_difference operator

Using list with symmetric_difference() method.

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

Output

{'b', 'x', 'c', 'y'}

Below code will generate error.

print(A ^ B)

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

symmetric_difference_update()

In all above code by using symmetric_difference() we created a new set. By using symmetric_difference_update() method we can change the original set with common elements.
All Set Methods Set Operations Questions with solutions on set
union() difference() intersection() symmetric_difference()

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