Python all(), any(), min(), max(), and sum()

Basic

Python has several built-in functions that answer a single question about an iterable or combine its values into one result. In this lesson, you will use all(), any(), min(), max(), and sum().

These functions are useful when a loop would otherwise exist only to compute one final answer. They do not replace iteration itself; they provide common, focused operations over iterables.

Check whether every item is true

The all() function returns True when every item in its iterable is truthy. It also returns True for an empty iterable.

Check whether at least one item is true

The any() function returns True when at least one item in its iterable is truthy. It returns False for an empty iterable.

all() and any() stop when the answer is known

Both functions consume their iterable only as far as needed. Once all() finds a false item, it can return False. Once any() finds a true item, it can return True.

Find the smallest and largest item

With one positional argument, min() and max() expect an iterable and return its smallest or largest item. With two or more positional arguments, they compare those arguments directly.

Use key and default with min() and max()

Like sorted(), min() and max() can receive a key function that determines what is compared while the original items are returned. They also support default when the single iterable is empty.

Ties return the first matching item

If several items are tied for the minimum or maximum, the built-in returns the first one encountered. This is useful when the items carry information beyond the value used for comparison.

Add values with sum()

The sum() function adds the items of an iterable from left to right and returns the total. Its optional start value is included in that total and defaults to zero.

Choose the smallest operation that answers the question

Use all() for “does every item pass?”, any() for “does at least one pass?”, min() or max() when one extreme item is needed, and sum() when the items should be totaled.