Python Arrays

Python Arrays

Python does not have built-in support for Arrays. However, Python Lists can be used instead.

If you want to create highly optimized arrays (especially for mathematical computations), you should use the NumPy library, or Python's built-in array module. For general programming, lists are the standard substitute.

Arrays vs. Lists

To understand Arrays in Python, you just need to understand Lists. An array is a special variable, which can hold more than one value at a time.

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]

// Access the first item
x = cars[0]
print("First car:", x)
// Change the first item
cars[0] = "Toyota"
print("Updated cars:", cars)

Array Methods (List Methods)

Python has a set of built-in methods that you can use on lists/arrays.

cars = ["Ford", "Volvo", "BMW"]

cars.append("Honda")   // Adds an element to the end
cars.pop(1)            // Removes the element at index 1 (Volvo)
print(cars)            // ['Ford', 'BMW', 'Honda']
print(len(cars))       // Returns the length: 3