What is the Maximum Size of a Python List and Can I Still Use List Methods with a List of 12,000 Elements?

Maximum Size of Python Lists

In Python, lists are dynamic data structures that can store a large number of elements. However, there is a limit to how large a list can get.

Question:

How big can a Python list get? Specifically, can I create a list of 12000 elements and still use list methods like sorting?

Answer:

The maximum size of a Python list is determined by the underlying system architecture. According to the Python source code, the maximum size is calculated as:

PY_SSIZE_T_MAX / sizeof(PyObject*)

where PY_SSIZE_T_MAX is a system-defined constant representing the maximum value for a signed integer variable.

In a regular 32-bit system, PY_SSIZE_T_MAX is calculated as:

((size_t) -1) >> 1

which evaluates to 536870912. Dividing this value by the size of a Python object (sizeof(PyObject*)) gives us the maximum number of elements that can be stored in a list:

536870912 / 4 = 536,870,912

Therefore, the maximum size of a Python list on a 32-bit system is 536,870,912 elements. As long as the number of elements in your list is equal to or below this, all list functions should operate correctly.

In your case, a list of 12000 elements is well within this limit, so you should have no issues using list methods such as sorting.

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