How to Print a List Without Brackets and Commas in Python?

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Problem Formulation

Given a Python list of elements.

If you print the list to the shell using print([1, 2, 3]), the output is enclosed in square brackets and separated by commas like so: "[1, 2, 3]".

But you want the list without brackets and commas like so: 1 2 3. 

print([1, 2, 3])
# Output: [1, 2, 3]
# Desired: 1 2 3

How to print the list without enclosing brackets and without separating commas in Python?

🌍 Related Tutorial: How to Print a List Without Brackets in Python?

If you want to print the list without commas, I’d recommend this tutorial on the Finxter blog.

Method 1: Unpacking Multiple Values into Print Function

The asterisk operator * is used to unpack an iterable into the argument list of a given function.

You can unpack all list elements into the print() function to print all values individually, separated by an empty space per default (that you can override using the sep argument). For example, the expression print(*my_list) prints the elements in my_list, empty space separated, without the enclosing square brackets and without the separating commas!

Here’s an example:

my_list = [1, 2, 3]
print(*my_list)
# Output: 1 2 3

ℹ️ Note: If you want a different separating character, you can set the sep argument of the print() function. For example, print(*my_list, sep='|') will use the vertical bar '|' as a separating character.

Here’s an example:

my_list = [1, 2, 3]
print(*my_list, sep='|')
# Output: 1|2|3

You can learn about the ins and outs of the built-in print() function in the following video:

Python Print Function [And Its SECRET Separator & End Arguments]

To master the basics of unpacking, feel free to check out this video on the asterisk operator:

Python Print Function [And Its SECRET Separator & End Arguments]

Method 2: String Replace Method

A simple way to print a list without commas and square brackets is to first convert the list to a string using the built-in str() function. Then modify the resulting string representation of the list by using the string.replace() method until you get the desired result.

Here’s an example:

my_list = [1, 2, 3]

# Convert List to String
s = str(my_list)
print(s)
# [1, 2, 3]

# Replace Separating Commas and Square Brackets
s = s.replace(', ', '\n').replace('[', '').replace(']', '')

# Print List Without Commas and Brackets
print(s)

The result is a string without commas and without brackets:

1
2
3

Method 3: String Join With Generator Expression

You can print a list without brackets and without commas. Use the string.join() method on any separator string such as ' ' or '\t'. Pass a generator expression to convert each list element to a string using the str() built-in function. For example, the expression print(' '.join(str(x) for x in my_list)) prints my_list to the shell without enclosing brackets and commas.

my_list = [1, 2, 3]
print(' '.join(str(x) for x in my_list))
# Output: 1 2 3

You can modify the separator string on which you join to customize the appearance of the list:

my_list = [1, 2, 3]
print('xxx'.join(str(x) for x in my_list))
# Output: 1xxx2xxx3

You can dive deeper into generators in the following video:

Python Print Function [And Its SECRET Separator & End Arguments]

Where to Go From Here?

Enough theory. Let’s get some practice!

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Programmer Humor

❓ Question: How did the programmer die in the shower? ☠️

❗ Answer: They read the shampoo bottle instructions:
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

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