Collections: Deque vs List

What are the main differences between a deque and a list in Python?

A deque (double-ended queue) allows fast appends and pops from both ends, while a list is optimized for fast access and appends at the end.

When should I use a deque instead of a list?

Use a deque when you need to efficiently add or remove items from both ends, like in queue implementations.

Are there any performance differences I should be aware of?

Yes, deques have O(1) time complexity for appends and pops from both ends, while lists have O(n) for pops from the front.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use a list for simple collections where you mainly access elements by index, and a deque for implementing queues or stacks.