If you want to create a literal new list with a bunch of new values then you're right. There is no reason to use the list constructor, you should use the literal notation:

my_list = ['a', 'b', 'c']

In fact, it is impossible to create a new list with a bunch of values using the constructor, you can only use it to transform iterables into their list representation:

my_tuple = ('a', 'b', 'c')  # literal notation to create a new tuple
my_list = list(my_tuple)    # this is what you actually did in your first example

You can use the other iterable constructors like set and dict in a similar way. They are not used to create new objects, but transform existing ones into the type they describe.

Answer from Arne on Stack Overflow
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GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › python › list-constructor-in-python
list() constructor in Python - GeeksforGeeks
July 23, 2025 - In Python list() constructor is a built-in function which construct a list object.
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Python Morsels
pythonmorsels.com › using-list
Python's list constructor: when and how to use it - Python Morsels
February 28, 2023 - The list function will loop over the given iterable and make a new list out of it. Like str, int, dict, and many constructor functions in Python, list can also be called without any arguments:
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Python documentation
docs.python.org › 3 › tutorial › datastructures.html
5. Data Structures — Python 3.14.4 documentation
>>> tel = {'jack': 4098, 'sape': 4139} >>> tel['guido'] = 4127 >>> tel {'jack': 4098, 'sape': 4139, 'guido': 4127} >>> tel['jack'] 4098 >>> tel['irv'] Traceback (most recent call last): File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module> KeyError: 'irv' >>> print(tel.get('irv')) None >>> del tel['sape'] >>> tel['irv'] = 4127 >>> tel {'jack': 4098, 'guido': 4127, 'irv': 4127} >>> list(tel) ['jack', 'guido', 'irv'] >>> sorted(tel) ['guido', 'irv', 'jack'] >>> 'guido' in tel True >>> 'jack' not in tel False · The dict() constructor builds dictionaries directly from sequences of key-value pairs: >>> dict([('sape
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W3Schools
w3schools.com › python › python_lists.asp
Python Lists
It is also possible to use the list() constructor when creating a new list. ... thislist = list(("apple", "banana", "cherry")) # note the double round-brackets print(thislist) Try it Yourself » · There are four collection data types in the Python programming language:
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Programiz
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Python list()
Become a certified Python programmer. Try Programiz PRO! ... The list() constructor converts an iterable (dictionary, tuple, string etc.) to a list and returns it.
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Python
typing.python.org › en › latest › spec › constructors.html
Constructors — typing documentation
There are cases where it is desirable ... to be annotated with a type that influences the resulting type of the constructor call. class MyClass1[T]: @overload def __init__(self: "MyClass1[list[int]]", value: int) -> None: ......
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GeeksforGeeks
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Python Lists - GeeksforGeeks
2. Using list() Constructor: A list can also be created by passing an iterable (such as tuple, string or another list) to the list() constructor. ... 3. Creating List with Repeated Elements: A list with repeated elements can be created using ...
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Medium
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Python List Explained. Python list is built in data type in… | by Raju Nekadi | Medium
February 13, 2024 - The most popular way to create ... through list literal. These literals are fairly straightforward. They consist of a pair of square brackets enclosing a comma-separated series of elements. fruits = ["apple", "banana", "orange", "blueberries", "grape"] cities = ["New York","Mumbai","Bangkok","kathmandu"] You can create list objects using the class constructor, called list()....
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Real Python
realpython.com › python-list
Python's list Data Type: A Deep Dive With Examples – Real Python
October 21, 2023 - Another tool that allows you to create list objects is the class constructor, list(). You can call this constructor with any iterable object, including other lists, tuples, sets, dictionaries and their components, strings, and many others.
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Python documentation
docs.python.org › 3 › library › stdtypes.html
Built-in Types — Python 3.14.4 documentation
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Python
docs.python.org › 3 › library › exceptions.html
Built-in Exceptions — Python 3.14.4 documentation
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W3Schools
w3schools.com › python › python_lists_methods.asp
Python - List Methods
Python has a set of built-in methods that you can use on lists.
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Educative
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Creating Lists
A list constructor involves the use of the class constructor list() to create a list object.
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Simplilearn
simplilearn.com › home › resources › software development › your ultimate python tutorial for beginners › all you need to know about python list
Python List [Made Easy]
June 3, 2024 - Demystify Python lists! From basic operations to advanced techniques, this comprehensive guide simplifies learning for all skill levels. Learn Now!
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Tutorial Teacher
tutorialsteacher.com › python › python-list
Python List
All the list objects are the objects of the list class in Python. Use the list() constructor to convert from other sequence types such as tuple, set, dictionary, string to list.
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AskPython
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Python List - 15 Things You MUST Know - AskPython
January 13, 2023 - Any iterable elements can transform into a list using the Python built-in list() constructor.
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Python documentation
docs.python.org › 3 › tutorial › classes.html
9. Classes — Python 3.14.4 documentation
If the name denotes a valid class attribute that is a function object, references to both the instance object and the function object are packed into a method object. When the method object is called with an argument list, a new argument list is constructed from the instance object and the argument list, and the function object is called with this new argument list.