Creating Lists in Python

In this article, we will explore how to create lists in Python, including the definition of a list, creating an empty list, and populating it with values. We’ll also discuss various methods to work wi …

Updated June 12, 2023

Definition of a List

In Python, a list is a collection of items that can be of any data type, including strings, integers, floats, and other lists. Lists are denoted by square brackets [] and are mutable, meaning they can be modified after creation.

Creating an Empty List

To create an empty list in Python, you can use the following syntax:

my_list = []

This will create a new list object that is initially empty.

Populating a List with Values

There are several ways to populate a list with values. Here are a few examples:

Method 1: Using Square Brackets

You can create a list by enclosing a series of comma-separated values within square brackets.

my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Method 2: Using the append() Method

The append() method allows you to add elements one at a time to an existing list.

my_list = []
my_list.append(1)
my_list.append(2)
my_list.append(3)
print(my_list)  # Output: [1, 2, 3]

Method 3: Using the extend() Method

The extend() method allows you to add multiple elements at once to an existing list.

my_list = [1, 2]
my_list.extend([3, 4, 5])
print(my_list)  # Output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Working with Lists

There are several methods you can use to work with lists in Python. Here are a few examples:

Method 1: Indexing

You can access an element at a specific index using the following syntax:

my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(my_list[0])  # Output: 1

Method 2: Slicing

You can extract a subset of elements from a list using the following syntax:

my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(my_list[1:3])  # Output: [2, 3]

Conclusion