Does Python use pointers when creating a new sliced list?

Question

So, we know that Python uses a reference system, in order to refer to values in a list. So, if we create a new variable=list[index], the variable points to that list index. But what about when we are slicing a new list? Does the new sliced list use pointers? Or is it a new list in itself?

slicing makes a copy; there are no memoryview for lists. some good info: Buffer Protocol, and here — Reblochon Masque
– Reblochon Masque, Commented Jun 23, 2019 at 2:19
Possible duplicate of understanding list slice assignment in python — dr0i
– dr0i, Commented Jun 23, 2019 at 6:47

gilch · Accepted Answer · 2019-06-23 04:22:04Z

1

A list in Python is made of an array of references (plus some bookkeeping data). Slicing allocates a new array, but those copied references still point to the same heap objects.

When you do variable=list[index], the variable does not point to the list index. Rather, it references the same object that the list does at that index (at the time it is looked up; they can be changed independently later).

edited Jun 23, 2019 at 4:22

answered Jun 23, 2019 at 1:56

gilch

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