How do I get the last element of a list in Python?

To get the last element of a list in Python, you can use negative indexing (-1), which is the most Pythonic and efficient approach. Below are multiple methods with detailed examples and edge-case handling:

1. Using Negative Indexing (`-1`)

The simplest and most common method:

my_list = [10, 20, 30, 40, 50]
last_element = my_list[-1]  # Output: 50

2. Handling Empty Lists

Avoid IndexError by checking if the list is not empty:

my_list = []
if my_list:
    last_element = my_list[-1]
else:
    print("List is empty!")  # Output: List is empty!

3. Using `len()`

Alternative approach (equivalent to -1):

my_list = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
last_element = my_list[len(my_list) - 1]  # Output: "cherry"

4. Using Slicing

Get the last element as a sublist and extract it:

my_list = [True, False, True]
last_element = my_list[-1:][0]  # Output: True

5. Using `pop()` (With Caution!)

Removes and returns the last element (modifies the list):

my_list = ["a", "b", "c"]
last_element = my_list.pop()  # Output: "c"
print(my_list)  # Now ["a", "b"] (last element removed)

6. Using a Loop

Iterate to the end (not efficient, but works for learning):

my_list = [1.1, 2.2, 3.3]
last_element = None
for item in my_list:
    last_element = item
print(last_element)  # Output: 3.3

7. Edge Cases & Advanced Scenarios

A. Nested Lists

Access the last element of a nested list:

nested_list = [[1, 2], [3, 4], [5, 6]]
last_nested = nested_list[-1]  # Output: [5, 6]

B. Strings as Lists

Works for strings (since strings are iterable):

text = "hello"
last_char = text[-1]  # Output: "o"

C. `None` or Non-List Types

Handle non-list inputs gracefully:

def get_last_element(input_list):
    if not isinstance(input_list, list):
        return "Input is not a list!"
    return input_list[-1] if input_list else None

print(get_last_element("not a list"))  # Output: "Input is not a list!"

Performance Notes

Negative indexing (-1) is the fastest and most memory-efficient method (O(1) time complexity).
Avoid pop() if you don’t want to modify the original list.

Summary

Use my_list[-1] for simplicity and efficiency.
Check for empty lists to prevent IndexError.
Avoid pop() unless you need to remove the last element.

1. Using Negative Indexing (-1)