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How to Add Item to List Python

Learn how to add items to a list in Python with this easy-to-follow tutorial. …


Updated June 4, 2023

Learn how to add items to a list in Python with this easy-to-follow tutorial.

Definition of the Concept

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 used extensively in programming to store and manipulate data. Adding an item to a list is a fundamental operation that allows you to grow or modify the list as needed.

Step-by-Step Explanation

Adding an item to a list in Python involves using the following syntax:

list_name.append(item)

Here’s a breakdown of what each part means:

  • list_name: This refers to the name of the list that you want to add the item to.
  • .append(): This is a method (function) that adds an item to the end of the list. It takes one argument, which is the item to be added.
  • item: This is the value or data that you want to add to the list.

Example Code

Let’s create a simple example to demonstrate how to add an item to a list:

# Create an empty list called "fruits"
fruits = []

# Add some items to the list using append()
fruits.append("Apple")
fruits.append("Banana")
fruits.append("Cherry")

# Print out the updated list
print(fruits)

Output:

['Apple', 'Banana', 'Cherry']

Code Explanation

In this example code:

  1. We create an empty list called fruits.
  2. We use the .append() method to add three items (“Apple”, “Banana”, and “Cherry”) to the end of the list.
  3. Finally, we print out the updated list using the built-in print() function.

Multiple Items at Once

You can also add multiple items to a list in one go by passing a list or tuple as an argument to the .append() method:

fruits = []
fruits.append(["Apple", "Banana"])
print(fruits)

Output:

[['Apple', 'Banana']]

In this case, the entire list ["Apple", "Banana"] is treated as a single item and added to the end of the main list.

Conclusion

Adding an item to a list in Python is a straightforward operation that can be performed using the .append() method. This tutorial has shown you how to add individual items, multiple items at once, and demonstrated the resulting output with clear code examples. Practice these concepts and soon you’ll become proficient in working with lists in Python!

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