In this chapter, we explored the concept of iteration and generation a bit more deeply. We looked at the map, zip, and filter functions in detail, and learned how to use them as an alternative to a regular for loop approach.

Then we covered the concept of comprehensions, for lists, dictionaries, and sets. We explored their syntax and how to use them as an alternative to both the classic for loop approach and also to the use of the map, zip, and filter functions.

Finally, we talked about the concept of generation, in two forms: generator functions and expressions. We learned how to save time and space by using generation techniques and saw how they can make possible what wouldn't normally be if we used a conventional approach based on lists.

We talked about performance, and saw that for loops are last in terms of speed, but they provide the best readability and flexibility to change. On the other hand, functions such as map and filter, and list comprehensions, can be much faster.

The complexity of the code written using these techniques grows exponentially so, in order to favor readability and ease of maintainability, we still need to use the classic for loop approach at times. Another difference is in the name localization, where the for loop behaves differently from all other types of comprehensions.

The next chapter will be all about objects and classes. It is structurally similar to this one, in that we won't explore many different subjects, just a few of them, but we'll try to dive into them a little bit more deeply.

Make sure you understand the concepts of this chapter before moving on to the next one. We're building a wall brick by brick, and if the foundation is not solid, we won't get very far.