Python Tutorial
Accessing Elements From Python List
How to Access Elements From a List in Python?
The items in the list are indexed, and you can find them by looking up the index number:
Example:
Print the second item of the list:
thislist = ["pear", "melon", "orange"]
print(thislist[1])
Output:
melon
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Negative Indexing
Negative indexing in Python indicates that you should begin from the end. -1 denotes the last item, -2 the second last item, and so on.
Example:
Print the last item of the list:
thislist = ["pear", "melon", "orange"]
print(thislist[-1])
Output:
orange
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Range of Indexes
You can provide a range of indices by indicating where the range begins and ends.
When you specify a range, the result is a new list with the items you specified.
Example:
Return the third, fourth, and fifth item:
thislist = ["pear", "melon", "orange", "orange", "avacado", "melon", "mango"]
print(thislist[2:5])
Output:
orange, melon
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Range of Negative Indexes
If you wish to start searching from the bottom of the list, use negative indexes:
Example:
thislist = ["pear", "melon", "orange", "orange", "avacado", "melon", "mango"]
print(thislist[-4:-1])
Output:
['orange', 'avacado', 'melon']
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Check if Item Exists
Make use of the in keyword to check if a certain item is contained in a list:
Example:
Check if "pear" is present in the list:
thislist = ["pear", "melon", "orange"]
if "pear" in thislist:
print("Yes, 'pear' is in the fruits list")
Output:
Yes, 'pear' is in the fruits list