Python · Theory

list.copy()

Theory

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list.copy() works on a list. Lists can change. Many methods update the same list (append, pop, sort, insert) instead of returning a new one.

list.copy() — output — ['Asha'] then ['Asha', 'Ravi']. copy is a new list.

Trap for list.copy() — append([1, 2]) nests a list. extend([1, 2]) adds 1 and 2. sort vs sorted is a viva favourite.

Diagram

index →  0       1       2
  list  → [Asha,  Ravi,  Neha]

Exam tip

In place or new list? Say it first, then one example.

# list.copy()
a = ["Asha"]
b = a.copy()
b.append("Ravi")
print(a)
print(b)

list.copy() — output: ['Asha'] then ['Asha', 'Ravi']. copy is a new list.