Returns a new set with items from all the sets, except common items
Usage
The symmetric_difference() method returns a new set containing all items from both the sets, except common items.
If you want to modify the original set instead of returning a new one, use symmetric_difference_update() method.
The symmetric difference is actually the union of the two sets, minus their intersection.
Syntax
set.symmetric_difference(set)
| Parameter | Condition | Description |
| set | Required | A set to find difference in |
Basic Example
# Compute the symmetric difference between two sets
A = {'red', 'green', 'blue'}
B = {'yellow', 'red', 'orange'}
print(A.symmetric_difference(B))
# Prints {'orange', 'blue', 'green', 'yellow'}
Equivalent Operator ^
Set symmetric difference can be performed with the ^ operator as well.
A = {'red', 'green', 'blue'}
B = {'yellow', 'red', 'orange'}
# by method
print(A.symmetric_difference(B))
# Prints {'orange', 'blue', 'green', 'yellow'}
# by operator
print(A ^ B)
# Prints {'orange', 'blue', 'green', 'yellow'}Symmetric Difference between Multiple Sets
The symmetric_difference() method doesn’t allow multiple sets.
However, using ^ operator, you can find symmetric difference between multiple sets.
A = {'red', 'green', 'blue'}
B = {'yellow', 'orange'}
C = {'blue', 'red', 'black'}
print(A ^ B ^ C)
# Prints {'orange', 'black', 'green', 'yellow'}