python - What does list[x::y] do?

I've been reading over some sample code lately and I've read quite a few websites but I just can't seem to get the query right to give me an answer I'm looking for. If anyone could help me out I'd appreciate it.

Answer

It slices

x[startAt:endBefore:skip]

if you use skip = 2, every other element the list beginning at startAt and ending at endBefore will be selected. [Remember: indices live BETWEEN list elements]

To see this, enter

x = range(100)

at the Python prompt. Then try these things

x[::2]
x[::3]
x[10:40:6]

and see what happens.