How to Convert String Representations of Lists into List Objects in Python?

Converting String Representations of Lists into List Objects

Many situations in programming involve working with data stored as strings. Sometimes, these strings resemble lists but remain in textual form. Converting these string representations into actual list objects can become necessary. Here's a common scenario:

Consider a string "fruits" that looks identical to a list:

How to Convert:

To convert this string into a list object, use the ast.literal_eval function:

Safety Considerations:

While ast.literal_eval provides a straightforward conversion, it's crucial to prioritize safety, especially when working with strings from untrusted sources. As mentioned in the function's documentation, it only allows specific literal structures:

• Strings
• Numbers
• Tuples
• Lists
• Dicts
• Booleans
• None

Attempting to evaluate a string containing non-literal structures or complex Python expressions can pose security risks. Consider using alternative approaches if dealing with strings of unknown origin.

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