You cannot copy a list simply by typing list2 = list1, because: list2 will only be a reference to list1, and changes made in list1 will automatically also be made in list2.  

Use the copy() method

  You can use the built-in List method copy() to copy a list.  

Example

thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = thislist.copy()
print(mylist)
            

Output:

['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']
            

Use the list() method

  Another way to make a copy is to use the built-in method list().  

Example

thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = list(thislist)
print(mylist)
            

Output:

['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']
            

Use the slice Operator

  You can also make a copy of a list by using the : (slice) operator.  

Example

thislist = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
mylist = thislist[:]
print(mylist)
            

Output:

['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']