Python iter() Function

The python iter() function is used to return an iterator object. It creates an object which can be iterated one element at a time.

Python iter() Function Syntax

It has the following syntax:

iter(object, sentinel)  

Parameters

• object: An iterable object.
• sentinel (optional): It is a special value that represents the end of a sequence.

Return

It returns an iterator object.

Python iter() Function Example

The below example shows the working of the iter() function in Python.

# list of numbers  

list = [1,2,3,4,5]  

  

listIter = iter(list)  

  

# prints '1'  

print(next(listIter))  

  

# prints '2'  

print(next(listIter))  

  

# prints '3'  

print(next(listIter))  

  

# prints '4'  

print(next(listIter))  

  

# prints '5'  

print(next(listIter))

Output:

1
2
3
4
5

Explanation:

In the above example, iter() function converts an list iterable to an iterator.