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Python Python Collections (2016, retired 2019) Slices Introduction To Slices

Rohan Tinna
Rohan Tinna
3,415 Points
Posted by Rohan Tinna
Rohan Tinna
3,415 Points

Can't we just use clear_list = messy_list ?

What is the difference?

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,732 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,732 Points

Without the slice, a simple assignment does not make a copy of the list. Instead it would just make the new name reference the same list.

So later, when he sorts the "clean_list", it would also be sorted when you look at it using the name "messy_list".

Besides a slice, you can also make a copy with the built-in method:

clean_list = messy_list.copy()