The append function in Python is utilized to insert an element at the conclusion of a list. This method enhances the list by directly altering its contents. Importantly, the method does not yield a return value. Additionally, the element being appended can itself be a list or a dictionary, resulting in the creation of a nested list.
Syntax of the sort Method in Python List
Below is the syntax for the list sort method:
Syntax:
append(x)
Parameter(s):
- x: This can be a number, a list, a string, a dictionary, or other data types.
- It does not produce a return value, but instead alters the list directly.
Examples of List append
Let us explore several instances of the append method to gain a better understanding of its capabilities.
Example 1: Adding an Element to the List
To begin with, let us examine a straightforward illustration that demonstrates how to add elements to a list.
Example
# given list
lst_1 = [12, 16, 20, 24]
print("Given List:", lst_1)
# adding a new element to the list
lst_1.append(28)
print("Updated List:", lst_1)
Output:
Given List: [12, 16, 20, 24]
Updated List: [12, 16, 20, 24, 28]
Explanation:
In this scenario, we have a collection that contains various elements. We utilized the append function to introduce a new element, specifically 28, into the collection. Consequently, this new element is positioned at the end of the list.
Example 2: Adding a list to a list
In Python, it is possible to add a list to another list, thereby creating a nested list. Below is an example that illustrates how to achieve this using the list's append method.
Example
# given lists
lst_1 = [11, 15, 19]
lst_2 = [10, 20, 30]
print("List 1:", lst_1)
print("List 2:", lst_2)
# adding a list to the list
lst_1.append(lst_2)
print("Nested List:", lst_1)
Output:
List 1: [11, 15, 19]
List 2: [10, 20, 30]
Nested List: [11, 15, 19, [10, 20, 30]]
Explanation:
In the example provided, we have two lists that contain various elements. We utilized the append function to incorporate the second list into the first one. This action results in the formation of a nested list.
Example 3: Appending Multiple Lists to a Single List
Combining several lists into a single list results in a nested list. In this scenario, two lists are added to one list, thereby producing a list that contains multiple lists. Refer to the example below for clarification on nested lists.
Example
# given lists
lst_1 = [11, 15, 19]
lst_2 = [10, 20, 30]
print("List 1:", lst_1)
print("List 2:", lst_2)
# adding a list to the list
lst_1.append(lst_2)
# adding elements to the second list
lst_2.append([15, 30, 45])
print("Nested List:", lst_1)
Output:
List 1: [11, 15, 19]
List 2: [10, 20, 30]
Nested List: [11, 15, 19, [10, 20, 30, [15, 30, 45]]]
Explanation:
In this illustration, we are presented with several lists. We utilized the append function to add the second list to the first one. Subsequently, we employed the append method once more to insert a new list into the second list. Consequently, the first list is also modified, reflecting the inclusion of the nested list.
Conclusion
In Python, the append function is utilized to insert a solitary element at the conclusion of a list, thereby altering the original list. It is capable of appending various data types including integers, strings, or even other lists, which can result in the formation of nested structures. This function proves to be particularly beneficial for lists that need to expand dynamically while preserving their initial sequence.
Python List append Method FAQs
1) What is the functionality of the append method in Python? Illustrate this with an example.
The append function serves the purpose of inserting a new item at the conclusion of a list.
Example
# existing list
list = ['1','2','3']
list.append(4) # here, we are appending the 5 to the list
print("List after appending the element : ",list)
Output:
List after appending the element: ['1', '2', '3', 4]
2) What does the append method returns?
The append function yields None as its return value. Its sole purpose is to insert the specified item into the current list.
3) Can we append a list to another list?
Indeed, in Python, it is possible to append one list to another. However, doing so will result in the creation of a nested list.
Example
a = [1, 2]
b = [3, 4]
a.append(b)
Output:
[1, 2, [3, 4]]
4) Is it possible to incorporate several elements through the append method in Python?
The append function accepts a single argument at any given moment.
5) What kinds of elements are permissible for appending to a list?
You have the capability to add values of any data type to your list, including strings, integers, lists, dictionaries, objects, and more.