Python 3 reference · List Methods

Python List append() Method

Add one item to the end of a list, changing the list in place. Returns None.

Syntax

list.append(item)

Parameter	Description
`item`	The value to add (it is added as one item, even if it is a list).

None.

Add to the endTry it yourself

fruits = ["apple"]
fruits.append("banana")
print(fruits)

Output

['apple', 'banana']

Build a list in a loopTry it yourself

squares = []
for n in range(5):
    squares.append(n * n)
print(squares)

Output

[0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

append() vs extend()Try it yourself

a = [1, 2]
a.append([3, 4])   # one nested item
print(a)
b = [1, 2]
b.extend([3, 4])   # several items
print(b)

Output

[1, 2, [3, 4]]
[1, 2, 3, 4]

append() returns None: items = items.append(x) throws your list away.
Appending a list adds it as one nested item; use extend() to add its items.

Version	Change
Python 3.0	Added

list.extend() · Add every item from an iterable to the end of the list, in place. Like append() for many items at once.
list.insert() · Insert an item at a given position, shifting later items to the right. Index 0 adds to the front.
list.pop() · Remove and return the item at a position, the last item by default. Raises IndexError on an empty list.
Python Lists · tutorial