Python program to find smallest number in a list

In this article, we will learn to find the smallest number in a list using the python program.

We find the smallest number in a list using 3 different methods:

  1. Using min() function
  2. By comparing each element
  3. By using sort() function


Using min() function

min() is the in-built function of the python, which returns the smallest value of the list.

Explanation

  1. First, we declared the list.
  2. Then, we use the min() function to find the smallest number in a list.
  3. Then we print the small value.

Program

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# lsit
list = [11, 10, 13, 15, 28]

# find smallest elements using min() function
small = min(list)

# print smallest element
print("The smallest element of a list is:",small)

Output

The smallest element of a list is: 10


By comparing each element

In this method, we will iterate the list and compare each element to find the smallest number.

Explanation

  1. First, we declared the list and a small variable.
  2. And, we assume the first elements as a small number and assign them to the small variable.
  3. Then we run the for loop and check each element of the loop is smaller than small or not. 
  4. If any element is smaller than the small variable then we update the value of the small variable.
  5. Then, lastly, we prin the small variable as the smallest number.

Program

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# lsit
list = [11, 10, 13, 15, 28]

# assume the first element is small
small = list[0]

# now iterate the list
for i in range(0,len(list)):
    # check the all elements is less than small or not
    if list[i] < small:
        # if the elements is smaller than small than update the value of small
        small = list[i]
    

# print smallest element
print("The smallest element of a list is:",small)

Output

The smallest element of a list is: 10


Using sort() function

sort() function used to arrange a list in ascending order. so, using the sort() function we will easily find the smallest number value from the list.

Explanation

  1. First, we declare the list.
  2. And then we use the sort() function to arrange the list in ascending order.
  3. And then we know that in ascending order the first elements are always smaller.
  4. So, we print the first element.

Program

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# lsit
list = [11, 10, 13, 15, 28]

# arrange the list in ascending order
list.sort()

# so, the first elements of ascending list is small
small = list[0]
    
# print smallest element
print("The smallest element of a list is:",small)

Output

The smallest element of a list is: 10
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