Python Arrays vs Python Lists. Learn with a Practical Case Study | by Mohsin Shaikh | August 2024

Learning with practical case studies

In Python, arrays and lists are two basic ways to store collections of data. Although they seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and have different properties.

This blog breaks down the differences between Python arrays and lists and explains their uses, benefits, and applications with a practical case study.

Python lists: The versatile container

What are Python lists?

A list in Python is a versatile and dynamic collection that can store a variety of data types, including numbers, strings, and even other lists. Lists are ordered, mutable (meaning you can change their contents), and allow duplicate elements.

How to use Python lists

How to create and use lists in Python:

# Creating a list
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 'hello', 5.6]
# Accessing elements
print(my_list[3])  # Output: hello
# Modifying elements
my_list[1] = 10
print(my_list)  # Output: [1, 10, 3, 'hello', 5.6]
# Adding elements
my_list.append('new element')
print(my_list)  # Output: [1, 10, 3, 'hello', 5.6, 'new element']

Why use Python lists?

• flexibility: You can store different types of data in a…