Python - Copy Lists
Copy a List
You cannot copy a list simply by typinglist2 = list1, because:list2 will only be areference tolist1, and changes made inlist1 will automatically also be made inlist2.
Use the copy() method
You can use the built-in List methodcopy() to copy a list.
Example
Make a copy of a list with thecopy() method:
thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = thislist.copy()
print(mylist)
Try it Yourself »mylist = thislist.copy()
print(mylist)
Use the list() method
Another way to make a copy is to use the built-in methodlist().
Example
Make a copy of a list with thelist() method:
thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = list(thislist)
print(mylist)
Try it Yourself »mylist = list(thislist)
print(mylist)
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 »mylist = thislist[:]
print(mylist)
