Map, set, and list types (Python)

Use the map type to store a typed set of key-value pairs represented as a JSON object.

When you define a map column, you specify the data type for the keys and values. For an example defining a map column, see Create a table (Python).

When written to a table, maps are internally ordered by their keys, and they are returned in that order.

The following limitations apply:

The Python client accepts plain dictionaries or DataAPIMap. It returns DataAPIMap, unless you set APIOptions.serdes_options.custom_datatypes_in_reading to false.

Use the set type to store a typed collection of unique values represented as a JSON array.

When you define a set column, you specify the data type for the values. For an example defining a set column, see Create a table (Python).

When written to a table, sets are ordered by their values.

The following limitations apply:

The Python client accepts Python sets or DataAPISet. It returns DataAPISet, unless you set APIOptions.serdes_options.custom_datatypes_in_reading to false.

Use the list type to store a typed collection of ordered, non-unique values represented as a JSON array.

When you define a list column, you specify the data type for the values.

When written to a table, lists elements are ordered by their position in the list.

The following limitations apply:

The Python client accepts and returns plain arrays.