python - Compute list difference

Question

In Python, what is the best way to compute the difference between two lists?

example

A = [1,2,3,4]
B = [2,5]

A - B = [1,3,4]
B - A = [5]

Answer 1

If the order does not matter, you can simply calculate the set difference:

>>> set([1,2,3,4]) - set([2,5])
set([1, 4, 3])
>>> set([2,5]) - set([1,2,3,4])
set([5])