Python List Reverse()

The reverse() method is an inbuilt method in Python that reverses the order of elements in a list. This method modifies the original list and does not return a new list, which makes it an efficient way to perform the reversal without unnecessary memory uses.

Let's see an example to reverse a list using the reverse() method.

a = [1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 6] 

a.reverse() 

print(a) 

[6, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1]

Explanation: Here, the reverse method simply reverses the list.

Syntax of List reverse()

list_name.reverse()

Parameters: It doesn't take any parameters.

Return Value: It doesn't return any value.

Note: The reverse() method is specific to lists in Python (it's an attribute of a list). Therefore, attempting to use the reverse() method on other data structures, such as strings, tuples, sets, or dictionaries, will result in an error.

Example of List reverse()

Reversing a list of strings

In this example, we are reversing the list of strings using reverse() method.

a = ["apple", "banana", "cherry", "date"]

a.reverse()
print(a)

['date', 'cherry', 'banana', 'apple']

Reverse a list of mixed data types

In this example, we are reversing the list of mixed data types using reverse() method.

a = [1, 'apple', 2.5, True]

a.reverse()
print(a)

[True, 2.5, 'apple', 1]

Reverse() vs. Slicing Approach

Another common way to reverse a list in Python is using slicing ([::-1]). Let's take an example of reversing a list using slicing.

a = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

res = a[::-1]
print(res)

[5, 4, 3, 2, 1]

Explanation: The slicing approach [:: -1] creates a new list, which requires additional memory, whereas reverse() modifies the existing list.

Note: If we want to keep the original list without modifying it then should use slicing. But if we need to change the list directly then use reverse().

Related Article:

• Different Ways to Reverse a List in Python
• How To Reverse A List In Python Using Slicing
• Reverse All Strings in String List
• Python program to Reverse a range in list