What is the Maximum Size of a Python List?

Determining the Maximum Size of a Python List

Python lists are versatile data structures that can hold a large number of elements. Knowing the maximum size limit of a Python list is crucial to ensure efficient operation and prevent potential errors.

According to the official Python source code, the maximum size of a list is determined by the limit of the PY_SSIZE_T_MAX/sizeof(PyObject*) value. PY_SSIZE_T_MAX is defined in pyport.h as ((size_t) -1)>>1.

On a typical 32-bit system, this translates to:

<code class="python">(4294967295 / 2) / 4 = 536870912</code>

Therefore, the maximum size of a Python list on a 32-bit system is approximately 536,870,912 elements.

Impact on List Methods

As long as the number of elements in the list is equal to or below the maximum size, all list methods should operate correctly. This includes common operations such as sorting, appending, and slicing.

It's worth noting that the actual maximum size of a Python list may vary depending on the system architecture and configuration. However, for most practical applications, the size limit discussed here should be sufficient.

The above is the detailed content of What is the Maximum Size of a Python List?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!