Python - Copy Lists
Copy a List
You cannot copy a list simply by typing list2 =
list1, because: list2 will only be a
reference to list1, and changes made in
list1 will automatically also be made in
list2.
Use the copy() method
You can use the built-in List method copy() to copy a list.
Example
Make a copy of a list with the copy() method:
thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist
= thislist.copy()
print(mylist)
Try it Yourself »
Use the list() method
Another way to make a copy is to use the built-in method list().
Example
Make a copy of a list with the list() method:
thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist
= list(thislist)
print(mylist)
Try it Yourself »
Use the slice Operator
You can also make a copy of a list by using the : (slice) operator.
Example
Make a copy of a list with the : operator:
thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = thislist[:]
print(mylist)
Try it Yourself »
