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Python List Comprehensions: Build Lists Concisely

A list comprehension creates a list by evaluating an expression for each item in an iterable. It can express a simple transformation in one readable statement. See two practical examples, edge cases and common mistakes.

2 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 18, 2026 Admin

A shop converts prices from whole units to display strings.

What You Need to Understand


A list comprehension creates a list by evaluating an expression for each item in an iterable. It can express a simple transformation in one readable statement.

When to Use It


A shop converts prices from whole units to display strings.

Step-by-Step Python Example


prices = [5, 10, 15]
doubled_prices = [price * 2 for price in prices]
print(doubled_prices)

How the Example Works


For each price, the expression price * 2 is evaluated and collected in order. The original list remains unchanged.

Example Output


[10, 20, 30]
['Maya', 'Dan']

A Second Example


Compare this smaller variation with the main example, then experiment with your own values.

names = ["maya", "dan"]
print([name.title() for name in names])

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


A comprehension should be easy to read. Use an explicit loop when logic involves several actions or side effects.

Try It Yourself


Produce a list containing squares of the integers from 1 through 5.

Common Beginner Mistakes


  • A comprehension should be easy to read. Use an explicit loop when logic involves several actions or side effects.
  • Assuming every sequence operation modifies the original data or that a tuple makes nested mutable objects immutable.

Key Takeaways


  • A list comprehension creates a list by evaluating an expression for each item in an iterable.
  • For each price, the expression price * 2 is evaluated and collected in order.
  • A comprehension should be easy to read.
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