Learn Python min() and max() functions

In this insightful and practical Python tutorial, we delve into the versatile min() and max() functions, exploring how to customize comparison criteria and handle empty lists with default values.

What You’ll Learn:

• Using min() and max() Functions: Understand the basics and advanced usage.
• Customizing Comparison Criteria: Learn how to tailor these functions to meet your specific needs.
• Handling Empty Lists: Discover how to set default values when dealing with empty lists.

If you’re looking to enhance your Python programming skills and master these fundamental functions, this video is a must-watch.

Tutorial Video

Python Code

max(iterable, *args, key=None, default=None):

• Returns the maximum value from an iterable (such as a list, tuple, or set).
• You can also pass multiple arguments directly (not just an iterable).
• The optional key argument allows you to customize the comparison.
• If the iterable is empty, it returns the default value (if provided) or raises a ValueError.

min(iterable, *args, key=None, default=None):

• Similar to max(), but it returns the minimum value.
• Also accepts multiple arguments and has the same optional key and default parameters.

numbers = [10, 5, 20, 15, 8, 12]

max_value = max(numbers)
min_value = min(numbers)

print(f"The maximum value is: {max_value}")
print(f"The minimum value is: {min_value}")

names = ["Alice", "Bob", "Charlie", "David", "Emma"]

longest_name = max(names, key=len)
shortest_name = min(names, key=len)

print(f"The longest name is: {longest_name}")
print(f"The shortest name is: {shortest_name}")

empty_list = []
default_value = "N/A"

max_empty = max(empty_list, default=default_value)
min_empty = min(empty_list, default=default_value)

print(f"Maximum (empty list): {max_empty}")
print(f"Minimum (empty list): {min_empty}")