Python List
Python List
Python List
List
Lists are used to store multiple items in a single variable.
Lists are one of 4 built-in data types in Python used to store collections of data, the other 3 are
Tuple, Set, and Dictionary, all with different qualities and usage.
Example
Create a List:
List Items
List items are ordered, changeable, and allow duplicate values.
List items are indexed, the first item has index [0], the second item has index [1] etc.
Ordered
When we say that lists are ordered, it means that the items have a defined order, and that order
will not change.
If you add new items to a list, the new items will be placed at the end of the list.
Note: There are some list methods that will change the order, but in general: the order of the
items will not change.
Changeable
The list is changeable, meaning that we can change, add, and remove items in a list after it has
been created.
Allow Duplicates
Since lists are indexed, lists can have items with the same value:
Example
List Length
To determine how many items a list has, use the len() function:
Example
Example
Example
type()
From Python's perspective, lists are defined as objects with the data type 'list':
<class 'list'>
Example
Example
When choosing a collection type, it is useful to understand the properties of that type. Choosing
the right type for a particular data set could mean retention of meaning, and, it could mean an
increase in efficiency or security.
Access Items
List items are indexed and you can access them by referring to the index number:
Example
Negative Indexing
-1 refers to the last item, -2 refers to the second last item etc.
Example
Range of Indexes
You can specify a range of indexes by specifying where to start and where to end the range.
When specifying a range, the return value will be a new list with the specified items.
Example
Note: The search will start at index 2 (included) and end at index 5 (not included).
By leaving out the start value, the range will start at the first item:
Example
This example returns the items from the beginning to, but NOT including, "kiwi":
By leaving out the end value, the range will go on to the end of the list:
Example
Specify negative indexes if you want to start the search from the end of the list:
Example
This example returns the items from "orange" (-4) to, but NOT including "mango" (-1):
Example