How to Create a List in Python

Lists are one of Python’s most versatile data structures. Here’s how to create them.

Method 1: Square Bracket Notation

The most common way to create a list:

# Empty list
my_list = []

# List with items
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
mixed = [1, "hello", 3.14, True]

print(fruits)  # ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']

Method 2: Using list() Constructor

Convert other iterables to lists:

# From a string
chars = list("hello")
print(chars)  # ['h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o']

# From a tuple
my_list = list((1, 2, 3))
print(my_list)  # [1, 2, 3]

# From a range
numbers = list(range(5))
print(numbers)  # [0, 1, 2, 3, 4]

Method 3: List Comprehension

Create lists with a concise syntax:

# Squares of numbers 0-4
squares = [x**2 for x in range(5)]
print(squares)  # [0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

# Filter with condition
evens = [x for x in range(10) if x % 2 == 0]
print(evens)  # [0, 2, 4, 6, 8]

Method 4: Repetition

Create a list with repeated elements:

# List of zeros
zeros = [0] * 5
print(zeros)  # [0, 0, 0, 0, 0]

# Repeated pattern
pattern = [1, 2] * 3
print(pattern)  # [1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2]

Adding Items to Lists

fruits = ["apple", "banana"]

# Add single item
fruits.append("cherry")

# Add multiple items
fruits.extend(["date", "elderberry"])

# Insert at specific position
fruits.insert(1, "blueberry")

print(fruits)

Summary

• Use [] for quick list creation
• Use list() to convert other iterables
• Use list comprehensions for creating lists from patterns
• Use * operator for repetition