Lists in Python

Defining Lists in Python

Lists are defined using square brackets [] and can contain any combination of data types:

my_list = [10, "Ali", True, 3.14]
empty_list = []
nested_list = [1, [2, 3], "hello"]

Key Characteristics of Lists

• Mutable: You can change, add, or remove items.
• Indexed and Sliced: Supports access by position and range.
• Mixed Types: Accepts strings, numbers, booleans, lists, and more.
• Nesting: Can contain other lists or iterable objects.

Accessing List Elements

my_list = [5, 10, 15, 20]

print(my_list[0])      # 5
print(my_list[-1])     # 20
print(my_list[1:3])    # [10, 15]

Common List Methods

Method	Description
append(x)	Adds x to the end of the list
insert(i, x)	Adds x at index i
remove(x)	Removes first occurrence of x
pop(i)	Removes and returns item at index i
index(x)	Returns first index of x
count(x)	Counts how many times x appears
sort()	Sorts list in ascending order
reverse()	Reverses the list order
copy()	Returns a shallow copy of the list
clear()	Removes all items from the list

Method Examples

numbers = [3, 6, 1]

numbers.append(9)         # [3, 6, 1, 9]
numbers.insert(1, 4)      # [3, 4, 6, 1, 9]
numbers.remove(6)         # [3, 4, 1, 9]
print(numbers.pop())      # 9
print(numbers.index(4))   # 1
print(numbers.count(1))   # 1
numbers.sort()            # [1, 3, 4]
numbers.reverse()         # [4, 3, 1]

List Comprehension

List comprehension offers a compact way to build lists using filters or transformations.

squares = [x**2 for x in range(5)]            # [0, 1, 4, 9, 16]
evens = [x for x in range(10) if x % 2 == 0]  # [0, 2, 4, 6, 8]

Conclusion

Lists in Python are fundamental tools for organizing and manipulating collections of data. With flexible size, versatile methods, and readable syntax, they are crucial for everything from user input handling to algorithm development and data analysis.