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Python Python Sequences Sequence Iteration Iterating With For Loops

Devan Laton
Devan Laton
602 Points

I need help with this for loop

I'm not sure how to do this properly, any help

iterating_lists.py
rainbow = ['red', 'orange', 'yellow', 'green', 'blue', 'indigo', 'violet']
    for color in rainbow:

1 Answer

Angelus Miculek
Angelus Miculek
6,534 Points

Hey Devon!

When looping over a list, a for loop executes code as many times as there are items in the list.

"color" is just a variable (you can name it anything) that points to each item in the list corresponding to what repetition it's on -- that's the cool thing. Example:

refrigerator = ['broccoli', 'kale', 'cabbage', 'spinach', 'avocado', 'onion']
for healthy_veg in refrigerator:
    print(healthy_veg)

This will output:

broccoli
kale
cabbage
spinach
avocado
onion

This loop will iterate 6 times because there are 6 items in the list.

first iteration: the variable healthy_veg points to 'broccoli'

second iteration: healthy_veg points to 'kale'

third iteration: healthy_veg points to 'cabbage'

fourth iteration: healthy_veg points to 'spinach'

fifth iteration: healthy_veg points to 'avocado'

sixth iteration: healthy_veg points to 'onion'


A while ago, I also had trouble understanding this. I hope I made it clear for you, now.

If you need any more help, just say the word!