How to Convert a List to a String in Python
", ".join(items) to glue a list of strings into one string. If the list holds numbers, convert them first: ", ".join(map(str, numbers)).You often need a list as one piece of text, for a sentence, a CSV line, a log message or a file name. The standard tool is str.join(): you choose the separator and call join() on it, passing the list.
The one rule to remember is that every item must already be a string. Anything else, such as integers, must be converted first. Knowing this saves you from the most common error on this topic.
| Syntax | separator.join(iterable) |
|---|---|
| Returns | A new string |
| Items must be | Strings (convert numbers with str()) |
| Opposite | text.split() |
Join a list of strings with join()
The separator goes before the dot, the list goes inside the brackets. Use "" for no separator.
words = ["learn", "python", "today"]
print(" ".join(words))
print("-".join(words))
print("".join(words))Join a list of numbers or mixed values
join() rejects non-strings, so convert each item. map(str, numbers) is short, and a list comprehension is equally good.
numbers = [3, 7, 12]
print(", ".join(map(str, numbers)))
print(", ".join(str(n) for n in numbers))Other ways to turn a list into a string
| Goal | Code | Result for ['a', 'b'] |
|---|---|---|
| Words joined with space | " ".join(items) | 'a b' |
| No separator | "".join(items) | 'ab' |
| One item per line | "\n".join(items) | 'a\nb' |
| Python's own text form | str(items) | "['a', 'b']" |
| Print items without brackets | print(*items) | a b |
str(list) is not the same as join()
Calling str() on a list gives its representation, including brackets and quotes, which is meant for debugging. If you want clean text, use join(). The reverse operation is explained in converting a string to a list, and you can read more about the method in the list basics lesson.
Examples you can run
Press Run, then edit the code and run it again.
Make a comma-separated shopping line
A normal join with a readable separator.
cart = ["pen", "notebook", "ruler"]
print("Cart: " + ", ".join(cart))Expected outputCart: pen, notebook, ruler
Join numbers after converting them
Each number becomes a string before joining.
scores = [88, 92, 79]
line = " | ".join(str(s) for s in scores)
print(line)Expected output88 | 92 | 79
Edge cases: empty list and a single item
No trailing separator appears, and an empty list gives an empty string.
print(repr(", ".join([])))
print(repr(", ".join(["only"])))
print(str(["a", "b"]))Expected output''
'only'
['a', 'b']
Common mistakes
Joining numbers directly
✗ Wrong
nums = [1, 2, 3]
print(",".join(nums))✓ Right
nums = [1, 2, 3]
print(",".join(map(str, nums)))Convert items to strings first with map(str, nums).
Calling join on the list
✗ Wrong
words = ["a", "b"]
print(words.join("-"))✓ Right
words = ["a", "b"]
print("-".join(words))join() is a string method. Put the separator first: "-".join(words).
How to Convert a List to a String in Python: questions people ask
How do I convert a list to a string in Python?
Use " ".join(my_list) when the items are strings, choosing any separator you like between the quotes.
How do I convert a list of integers to a string?
Convert each integer with str() and then join: "".join(map(str, [1, 2, 3])) gives "123".
What is the difference between str(list) and join()?
str(list) returns the list's printed form with brackets and quotes, while join() builds clean text with your chosen separator.
Keep learning
Step-by-step lessons:
Python ListsPython String MethodsPython Casting
Related:
Python String join() MethodHow to Convert a String to a List in PythonHow to Convert an Int to a String in PythonPython String split() Method
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