What is a list in computer science?

A list in computer science is defined as an ordered collection of items that can be modified. This means that the elements within the list maintain a specific sequence, allowing for access to individual elements based on their position or index. The ability to modify the list indicates that items can typically be added, removed, or changed during the program's execution.

Ordered collections ensure that the order in which elements are added is preserved, which is crucial in many algorithms and applications where sequence matters. For example, if you are managing a playlist of songs, the order in which the songs are played is essential, and lists facilitate this organization.

The focus on mutability distinguishes lists from other data structures like tuples or sets, which may either be immutable or not maintain order. This adaptability makes lists a fundamental and widely used data structure in programming.