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Python Python Collections (2016, retired 2019) Slices Back and Forth

Posted by Shashi Kumar
Shashi Kumar
134 Points

if I have a list my_list now what is the difference between l_list = my_list l_list = my_list[:]

if I have a list my_list now what is the difference between l_list = my_list l_list = my_list[:]

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,695 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,695 Points

The first example causes "l_list" to be a reference to "my_list". So any changes you make to one will be seen in the other.

But the second example uses a slice to make "l_list" a completely independent copy of "my_list". After that, each one can be modified without having any impact on the other.