Adding Items to a List in Python: Using the Append Method

Learn how to add items to the end of a Python list using the append() method. This guide provides a clear example of how to use the append() function to extend your list and manage its contents efficiently.

Python - Add List Items

Append Items

To add an item to the end of the list, use the append() method:

Example

Using the append() method to add an item:


mylist = ["car", "bike", "boat"]
mylist.append("plane")
print(mylist)

Output


["car", "bike", "boat", "plane"]

Insert Items

To insert a list item at a specified index, use the insert() method.

The insert() method inserts an item at the specified index:

Example

Insert an item at the second position:


mylist = ["car", "bike", "boat"]
mylist.insert(1, "plane")
print(mylist)

Output


["car", "plane", "bike", "boat"]

Note: As a result of the examples above, the lists will now contain 4 items.

Extend List

To append elements from another list to the current list, use the extend() method.

Example

Add the elements of additional_vehicles to mylist:


mylist = ["car", "bike", "boat"]
additional_vehicles = ["train", "plane", "helicopter"]
mylist.extend(additional_vehicles)
print(mylist)

Output


["car", "bike", "boat", "train", "plane", "helicopter"]

The elements will be added to the end of the list.

Add Any Iterable

The extend() method does not have to append lists; you can add any iterable object (tuples, sets, dictionaries, etc.).

Example

Add elements of a tuple to a list:


mylist = ["car", "bike", "boat"]
mytuple = ("scooter", "skateboard")
mylist.extend(mytuple)
print(mylist)

Output


["car", "bike", "boat", "scooter", "skateboard"]