How to Return an Empty List in Python

by vsasikalabe Updated: Jan 31, 2023

Guide Kit

Multiple elements can be kept in a single variable by using lists. One of Python’s four built-in data types for storing data collections is the list; the other three are the tuple, set, and dictionary, each of which has a unique purpose. 

In Python, an empty list has no items or elements. It is created using square brackets with nothing inside, like this: [] 

[]: The [] operator is used for various purposes, including indexing, slicing, and list comprehension. When used for indexing, the [] operator allows you to access a specific element of a list, tuple, or other iterable objects by its index position.

Returning an empty list can indicate that a function or method has been completed without finding valid results or items that match certain criteria. It can also be used as a default value for a function or method that may return a list of items in some cases but not others. Additionally, an empty list can be used as a placeholder for a list filled with items later. 

To know more about returning an empty list in Python, you may have a look at the code given below. 

Fig : Preview of the output that you will get on running this code from your IDE.

Code

How to return an empty list in python

PythonLines of Code : 16License : Strong Copyleft (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Dependent Libraries :

def start():  # don't use the name input()
    nextRound = ['Dad', 'Mom']
    maleNames = ['son', 'James', 'Mick', 'Dad']

    a = int(input('Enter a number please'))
    if a == 1:
        nextRound, maleNames = ErrorInput(1, nextRound, maleNames)  # if you want nextRound, maleNames to be [] you have to assign it to them
        print(nextRound, maleNames)

def ErrorInput(error, namelist, round):
    error_codes = {1: 'ERROR: You have entered a number above what is impossible to score', 2: 'ERROR: You Have entered a score meaning both players win',3: 'ERROR: You have entered a score meaning neither of the two players win', 4: 'ERROR: You have entered a negative number, this is impossible'}  # too many ifs makes one wonder if a dictionary is the way to go
    print(error_codes.get(error, 'Unknown Error'))
    return([], [])  # return the empty lists.

start()

Instructions

Follow the steps carefully to get the output easily.

Download and Install the PyCharm Community Edition on your computer.
Create new python file on your IDE.
Copy the snippet using the 'copy' button and paste it in your python file.
Run the current file to generate the output.

I hope you found this useful.

I found this code snippet by searching for ' Return an empty list in python'in kandi. You can try any such use case!

Environment Tested

I tested this solution in the following versions. Be mindful of changes when working with other versions.

The solution is created in PyCharm 2021.3.
The solution is tested on Python 3.9.7.

Using this solution, we are able to return an empty list in python with simple steps. This process also facilities an easy way to use, hassle-free method to create a hands-on working version of code which would help us to return an empty list in python.

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