Zip( ) helps us uncompressed files, making them easier to work with and faster to load. Zip( ) is a simple function that can create a compressed file from a set of files. By learning about this function, you can zip up files easily and transport them without worrying about them breaking or becoming damaged.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the Python zip( ) function. By understanding how zip( ) works, you will be able to create zipped files that are both efficient and user-friendly. Let us get started.
Table of Contents
What is Zip( ) Function?
Zip() is a method in Python that allows you to create a zip archive of multiple files. This can be useful if you need to organize and compress various files into an easily accessible format. Zip archives are typically smaller than their individual file counterparts, making them faster to download and save space on your hard drive.
Python Zip( ) Function : Implementation
The zip() method in Python is used to compress multiple files into a single archive. This function returns a zip object. You can use it to combine different types of files, such as text, images, or database tables. It takes two arguments: the first specifies the pathname of the input files and the second specifies what should be done with those files once they are compressed.
week = [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
weekDays = ['Monday','Tuesday','Wednesday','Thursday','Friday','Saturday','Sunday']
result = zip(week, weekDays)
print(result)
print(list(result))
Output

Different Number of Iteratable Methods
There are different numbers of iterable items that can be returned by the Zip() function in Python. Using an iterable object as an iterator, zip returns a iterator of tuple. The most common number of iterations is 3, which will return a list of tuples containing the elements within the zip file. However, you can also use 2 or 4 iterations if necessary.
week = [1, 2, 3]
list = ['one', 'two']
weekDays = ('Monday', 'Tuesday', 'Wednesday', 'Thursday')
result = zip(week, weekDays)
result_set = set(result)
print(result_set)
result = zip(week, list, weekDays)
result_set = set(result)
print(result_set)
Output

Unzipping Value using Unzip( )
You can use the unzip() function if you want to unzip a value. This function takes two parameters: the input file and the value to be extracted. The first parameter is used to specify the name of the output file. The second parameter extracts the value stored in that particular position within the input file.
week = [1,2,3,4,5]
weekDays = ['Monday', 'Tuesday', 'Wednesday', 'Thursday','Friday']
zipobject = zip(week, weekDays)
a,b = zip(*zipobject)
print(a)
print(b)
Output

Python Zip( ) in Two Lists
You can use the zip() method to combine two lists into a single list. This is helpful when you want to create a new list that combines all of the items in both original lists. For example, if you have a list of names of weekdays and another list of a week in numbers, you can use the zip() method to create a new list that contains weekday name and their numbers.
weekDays = [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday" ]
week = [ 1,2,3,4]
mapped = zip(weekDays, week)
print(set(mapped))
Output

Zip( ) Enumerates
Zip enumerates a programming language that enables you to work with zip files. Zip files are compressed archives of multiple files, typically used for storage and distribution. Zip enumerates you to navigate through the contents of a zip file just like any other directory, including listing and accessing individual files or subdirectories.
names = ['Naseem shah', 'shahdab khan', 'babar azam']
ages = [19, 23, 27]
for i, (name, age) in enumerate(zip(names, ages)):
print(i, name, age)
Output

Also Learn in detail about, Python Enumerate() Method: Loop and List.
Python Zip( ) Dictionary
The zip() function is a Python built-in function that allows you to create a dictionary from two sets of iterable objects. This makes it easy to combine multiple items into one container and ensure that the items are returned in the same order as they were inserted.
name = ['naseem', 'shahdab', 'babar']
age = [19, 23, 27]
new_dict = {name: age for name,
age in zip(name, age)}
print(new_dict)
Output

Also learn in detail about, Python Dictionary Comprehension.
Python Zip( ) in Loop
The zip() function can be found in many object-oriented programming languages and is used to compress or decompress multiple files into a single archive. However, when working with loops, it is essential to note that zip will only uncompress the first file in the loop, and subsequent files will not be compressed.
Players=["naseem shah", "shahdab", "babar azam"]
positions=["baller","Root","all rounder", "Captain"]
zipped=zip(Players,positions)
while True:
try:
tup=next(zipped)
print(tup[0],"->", tup[1])
except StopIteration:
break
Output

Python Zip_Longest
The zip_longest() method in Python is used to calculate the longest Zip code string. This string can be generated by taking the first two characters of every address in a file and concatenating them together. Additionally, it can be useful for finding duplicate files or identifying incomplete addresses.
import itertools
print ("The combined values of iterables is : ")
print (*(itertools.zip_longest('NASEEM_SHAH', 'BOWLER', fillvalue ='_' )))
Output

FAQs
What is NumPy zip?
NumPy zip is a Python module that helps you to compress and decompress files using the ZIP archive format. It can be helpful when you need to store large amounts of data or when you are uploading files to a remote server. NumPy zip can also be used to encrypt or decrypt data to secure it against unauthorized access.
What is the role of the * operator within the zip () function?
The contents of the lists are passed as arguments using the * operator.
Conclusion
The Python Zip() Function comes in handy when you organize and compress various files into an easily accessible format. It can be a time-saving procedure to zip multiple files into one. Do not forget to keep a few tips in mind while using this method, including only adding necessary paths, making sure the filenames are unique and most importantly, keeping your contents safe. Happy Coding.