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Remove None value from a list without removing the 0 value

python
list-comprehension
filter
lambda
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Mar 4, 2025
TLDR

Ruby-slippers-level magic trick: eliminate None but keep 0 in your list with this one-line list comprehension:

result = [x for x in my_list if x is not None] # Abracadabra!

Just like that: Bye-bye, None. Hello, 0.

Get practical: Cases and nuances

Stepping back for a sec: treating None and 0 differently is crucial in Python. None is non-existence, 0 is an important integer. Let's get serious and dive into the heart of the beast for some practical insights.

Performance optimization over large lists

List comprehension triumphs with large lists, but extremely large data sets may need more complexity or parallel processing. Here be dragons, proceed with caution!

Order, order!

Both the order and the number of elements (looking at you, percentile calculations!) can take a hit when you remove None. Your solution preserves the order. You've kept the peace.

Tricky zero - More difficult than taking candy from a baby

Avoid filter(None, L) like dodging spoilers. It launches 0 and None into the void. It confuses 0 for False and causes all sorts of mayhem.

When the stars don't align: Alternative solutions

Alright, list comprehensions are cool, but what if you want to check out the scenary on the road less travelled? Let's explore the wild side.

Lambda: the unsung hero

Kick things up a notch with filter and lambda:

filtered_list = list(filter(lambda x: x is not None, my_list)) # It's not Greek!

This solution works inline and doesn't need any additional imports. Pity Bob, 'cause you don't need to list() your way out in Python 2.

functools and operator in a love triangle with None

Feeling fancy? Mix partial from the functools, casually brought together with a dash of is_not from the operator.

from functools import partial from operator import is_not filtered_list = list(filter(partial(is_not, None), my_list)) # Now we're talking!

This might be like using a bazooka to swat a fly, but elegance has a price.

Custom filter: a beacon of clarity

A little verbosity for clarity never hurt anyone:

def is_not_none(value): return value is not None filtered_list = list(filter(is_not_none, my_list)) # Plain English

Who needs brevity when you can read your own code, right?