Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Python Python Collections (2016, retired 2019) Slices Back and Forth

Posted by Shashi Kumar
Shashi Kumar
134 Points

if I have a list my_list now what is the difference between l_list = my_list l_list = my_list[:]

if I have a list my_list now what is the difference between l_list = my_list l_list = my_list[:]

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,236 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,236 Points

The first example causes "l_list" to be a reference to "my_list". So any changes you make to one will be seen in the other.

But the second example uses a slice to make "l_list" a completely independent copy of "my_list". After that, each one can be modified without having any impact on the other.