The min function in Python is utilized to retrieve the smallest item from a given collection. This function requires two parameters: the first is a collection of items, while the second is an optional key. It returns the minimum element found within the provided collection.
Python min Function Syntax
It has the following syntax:
min (collection[, key])
Parameters
- collection : It is a comma-separated list of elements.
- key : Specifies a one-argument ordering function.
Return
It retrieves the least value from the set of elements.
Different Examples for Python Min Function
Let’s explore various instances of the min function to gain a clearer comprehension of its capabilities.
Python min Function Example 1
Here is a straightforward illustration of how to retrieve the smallest element from a collection. Refer to the example provided below.
# Python min() function example
# Calling function
small = min(2225,325,2025) # returns smallest element
small2 = min(1000.25,2025.35,5625.36,10052.50)
# Displaying result
print(small)
print(small2)
Output:
325
1000.25
Python min Function Example 2
Let us consider an example to illustrate the functionality of the Python min function.
# Python min() function example
# Calling function
small = min('a','A','b','B') # returns smallest element
small2 = min([10,12],[12,21],[13,15])
# Displaying result
print(small)
print(small2)
Output:
A
[10, 12]
Python min Function Example 3
Let us consider an additional example to illustrate the functionality of the Python min function.
# Python min() function example
# Calling function
small = min("Python","Python","Scala") # returns smallest element
small2 = min([10,12,33],[12,21,55],[13,15], key=len) # returns smallest element's length
# Displaying result
print(small)
print(small2)
Output:
Java
[13, 15]