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9.0 Python: Copy Lists

9.1 Copy a List​

Warning

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.

9.2 Use the copy() method​

You can use the built-in List method copy() to copy a list.

9.2.1 Example​

Make a copy of a list with the copy() method:

thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = thislist.copy()
print(mylist)

9.3 Use the list() method​

Another way to make a copy is to use the built-in method list().

9.3.1 Example​

Make a copy of a list with the list() method:

thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = list(thislist)
print(mylist)

9.4 Use the slice Operator​

You can also make a copy of a list by using the : (slice) operator.

thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = thislist[:]
print(mylist)