Usually, we use the append() operation to append any item at the end of the list. However, in some cases, it is required to append an element at the beginning of a list which is known as prepending an element to a list. In this tutorial, we will learn about How to prepend to a list in Python. We will learn different techniques along with examples to get a better understanding.
To prepend to a list in Python, you can use three common methods. The first Method is by using slicing operation, by assigning the desired item to the 0th slice of the list. The second method is by using list.insert() function. The third method includes using + operator, easiest solution is to create another list consisting of the desired item that you want to prepend at the first index.
If you want to learn more about lists, See Python List Tutorials
Use Slicing Operation to Prepend to a list in python
The slicing operation can be used to prepend to a list in Python. In this method, we assign the desired item to the 0th slice of the list. For example
# initializing list
x = ['b',0.5, 1,'d', 22]
# using slicing method to append at beginning
x[:0] = ['a']
# printing list
print(x)
Output:
['a', 'b', 0.5, 1, 'd', 22]In this example, using the slicing technique, we appended an item ‘a’ at the beginning of the list at the 0th index.
prepend to a list using list.insert() function
One other possible solution is to use the insert() function. The insert function takes two parameters as an input which are the index and the item that you want to insert. On running the code, it inserts that item at the specified index. For example
# initializing list
x = [8, 2, 9, 10, 7]
# using insert() to append at beginning
x.insert(0, 4)
# printing list
print(x)
Output:
[4, 8, 2, 9, 10, 7]If you want to print the list without square brackets, check this tutorial. This method is only efficient for small lists. In order to insert an item in the beginning, we need to move down all the elements by one. Therefore, this method is inefficient for large lists.
Use collection module to prepend to a list in python
You can also add a value or integer at the start of a list by using the collection modules “deque” package. First you will need to import the library and initialize an Integer’s List. The list will be initially formed as a string. We will use the deque() function to make space for an Integer to be inserted at start of the list. We can implement multiple functions using this deque packages. Deque function will create free space at the start of the list. Functions in the Deque package include append(), appendleft(), pop(), and popleft(). You can then use the appendleft() function, to append the list at the start with any integer.
Lets say we use “‘0000” for appending the list at the start.
#Using Collection Module
From collection import deque
Lst = [ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Lst = deque(Lst)
Lst.appendleft(0000)
Print (“After prepending list : “ + str(Lst))
Output:
After prepending list : [0000, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
prepend to a string using ‘+’ operator in python
Another easiest solution is to create another list consisting of the desired item that you want to prepend at the first index. Then combine the two lists using the ‘+’ operator. The following code snippet shows the implementation.
# initializing list
x = [8, 2, 9, 10, 7]
# using '+' operator to append at beginning
x = [4] + x
# printing list
print(x)
Output:
[4, 8, 2, 9, 10, 7]You can also add a character using the ‘+’ operator. Let’s see another example demonstrating the insertion of a character in a list of strings.
# initializing list
x = ['b','c','d','e']
# using '+' operator to append at beginning
x = ['a'] + x
# printing list
print(x)
Output:
['a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e']In short, in this article, we have learned the three different methods by which we can add any item at the beginning of a list. If you have any queries or you want us to cover any specific topic, please let us know in the comments. Your suggestions would be highly appreciated. Contact us. See more Python Tutorials
