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Python Python Basics (Retired) Shopping List Lists

Philipp Werminghausen
Philipp Werminghausen
1,271 Points
Posted by Philipp Werminghausen
Philipp Werminghausen
1,271 Points

List vs Array?

Whats the difference between an array in say JavaScript vs a list in ruby? They seem like the same thing, why give them a different name?

1 Answer

Matthew Carr
Matthew Carr
11,220 Points

In python you can think of a list as something very much like an array. Some languages force arrays to only contain one type object in every position in the array (like, an array of strings or an array of ints) , others allow any type of object in each position. Python lists allow any object type in any slot.

Philipp Werminghausen
Philipp Werminghausen
1,271 Points
Philipp Werminghausen
Philipp Werminghausen
1,271 Points

Ah okay, that makes sense. So comparing it to a javascript array they would be identical while comparing it to an array from a different language the only difference would be the singular type restriction?