`enumerate()`: Index + Value in One Go

If you’ve written Python for a while, you’ve probably seen (or written) loops using range(len(...)).
They work — but they’re rarely the most readable option.

That’s exactly the problem enumerate() solves. It allows you to iterate over both the index and the value, in a way that’s clearer, safer, and more idiomatic.

When enumerate() really shines

enumerate() is ideal when:

• You need both the index and the value
• You want to avoid manual index handling
• You care about readability and intent

Instead of thinking about positions, you focus on the data itself.

A common pattern without enumerate()

items = ["apple", "banana", "orange"]

for i in range(len(items)):
    print(i, items[i])

This works, but it’s verbose and easier to get wrong if the code grows.

The same loop with enumerate()

items = ["apple", "banana", "orange"]

for index, value in enumerate(items):
    print(index, value)

Now the intent is explicit:

• index is the position
• value is the element

No extra indexing, no mental overhead.

Starting the index at a custom value

A feature many people forget is the start parameter:

items = ["apple", "banana", "orange"]

for position, value in enumerate(items, start=1):
    print(position, value)

This is especially useful for user-facing lists, reports, or logs.

A common mistake to avoid

Sometimes developers reach for enumerate when they don’t actually need the index:

# Unnecessary enumerate
for i, value in enumerate(items):
    print(value)

If you don’t use i, a simple loop is clearer:

for value in items:
    print(value)

Conclusion

In my experience, enumerate() is one of those small Python tools that quietly improves code quality.

Whenever you find yourself reaching for range(len(...)), it’s worth asking: Would enumerate() make this clearer?

Most of the time, the answer is yes.