Python List vs Array provides two main data structures for storing collections of elements. While both can be used to store multiple values, they have some key differences in terms of functionality and the underlying implementation.
Here’s a tabular format comparing Python lists and arrays:
| Feature | Python Lists | Arrays (NumPy) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Can store elements of different data types Dynamically resizable | NumPy library provides powerful ndarray the object for advanced numerical computations |
| Restricted to elements of the same type Fixed-size upon creation | More memory and processing overhead | More efficient for numerical computations |
| Functionality | Rich set of built-in methods and operations | A limited set of methods focused on math |
| External Libraries | No external library required | NumPy library provides powerful ndarray object for advanced numerical computations |
Here’s a comparison of the syntax for Python lists and arrays:
List
Creating a List:
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Accessing Elements in a List:
print(my_list[0]) # Output: 1
print(my_list[2]) # Output: 3
Modifying Elements in a List:
my_list[3] = 10
print(my_list) # Output: [1, 2, 3, 10, 5]
List Methods:
my_list.append(6)
print(my_list) # Output: [1, 2, 3, 10, 5, 6]
my_list.remove(3)
print(my_list) # Output: [1, 2, 10, 5, 6]Array
Creating an Array (NumPy):
import numpy as np
my_array = np.array([1, 2, 3, 4, 5])
Accessing Elements in an Array:
print(my_array[0]) # Output: 1
print(my_array[2]) # Output: 3Modifying Elements in an Array:
my_array[3] = 10
print(my_array) # Output: [ 1 2 3 10 5]
Array Functions (NumPy):
my_array = np.append(my_array, 6)
print(my_array) # Output: [ 1 2 3 10 5 6]
my_array = np.delete(my_array, 2)
print(my_array) # Output: [ 1 2 10 5 6]
Python list vs array example
Here’s an example that demonstrates the differences between a Python list and an array:
# Importing the required modules
import array
import numpy as np
# Python List
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] # A list containing integers
my_list.append(6) # Adding an element at the end
my_list.remove(3) # Removing an element
print("List:", my_list) # Output: List: [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]
# Array
my_array = array.array('i', [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]) # An array of integers
my_array.append(6) # Adding an element at the end (supported in arrays)
my_array.remove(3) # Error: 'array.array' object has no attribute 'remove'
print("Array:", my_array) Output:
This example showcases the flexibility and functionality of lists compared to the more specialized nature of arrays.
Do comment if you have any doubts or suggestions on this Python difference topic.
Note: IDE: PyCharm 2021.3.3 (Community Edition)
Windows 10
Python 3.10.1
All Python Examples are in Python 3, so Maybe its different from python 2 or upgraded versions.