What are the differences between lists and stacks in Python?

What are the differences between lists and stacks in Python?

In Python, a list is a versatile data structure that allows for dynamic resizing and can hold mixed data types. A stack, on the other hand, is a specific type of data structure that follows the Last In First Out (LIFO) principle.

Can you give me examples of how to implement a stack in Python?

Sure! You can implement a stack using a list by using the append() method to add items and the pop() method to remove them. Here's a simple example:

stack = []
stack.append(1)  # Push 1 onto the stack
stack.append(2)  # Push 2 onto the stack
print(stack.pop())  # Outputs: 2

What are the advantages of using a stack over a list?

Stacks are more efficient for certain operations like undo mechanisms in applications, as they allow you to easily access the most recent item added. Lists, while more flexible, can be less efficient for LIFO operations.

Are there built-in stack implementations in Python?

Yes, Python's collections module provides a deque class which can be used as a stack. It offers O(1) time complexity for append and pop operations.