In Python, the equivalent of an array is a list. Lists are mutable, ordered sequences of elements that can hold various data types.
Key Features of Python Lists:
- Mutable: You can modify elements within a list after its creation.
- Ordered: Elements maintain their order of insertion.
- Heterogeneous: Lists can contain elements of different data types, including numbers, strings, and even other lists.
- Dynamic: Lists can grow or shrink as needed.
Example:
my_list = [1, "hello", 3.14, True]
print(my_list) # Output: [1, 'hello', 3.14, True]
Practical Insights:
- Python lists are incredibly versatile and widely used in various programming tasks, including data storage, manipulation, and iteration.
- While Python lists are the most common equivalent of arrays, other data structures like tuples and sets offer unique functionalities.
- Tuples are immutable, ordered sequences, while sets are unordered collections of unique elements.