python - how can I check the length of a list? -

i have list in python , want know number of "words"/"products" in it:

     print shopping_list 

output: ['milk,cookies,apples']

now output should 3 1 , don't understand why :

    print len(shopping_list) 

output: 1

note need 1 string contains words separated commas

your starting list is:

shopping_list = ['milk,cookies,apples'] 

this list contains single string 'milk,cookies,apples' need adjust list below.

shopping_list = ['milk','cookies','apples'] 

your code function expected. list of strings can used calculate length.

you can python split list using comma indicator of new item.

shopping_list = ['milk,cookies,apples'] shopping_list = shopping_list[0].split(",") print shopping_list return  ['milk','cookies','apples'] 

note original shopping_list list need state want first item, index [0]

print len(shopping_list) 

will return 3.