What is the main characteristic of a list in Python?

A list in Python is characterized by its mutability, which means it can be modified after it is created. This includes the ability to add, remove, or change elements within the list. For example, you can append new items, remove existing ones, or modify the values at specific indices. This flexibility makes lists a powerful data structure for storing collections of items where modifications are required during the program's execution.

Although lists can hold values of different data types, which is also a valid aspect of lists, the primary characteristic that distinguishes them is their mutability. The ability to change a list dynamically is essential in various programming tasks, providing a convenient way to manage collections of data. Other data structures, like tuples, do not allow such modifications, highlighting the importance of recognizing lists as mutable in contrast to those that are immutable.