Final answer:
The sObject list in insert and update triggers in Salesforce is used to create new versions of the sObject records before they are saved to the database, enabling modifications within before triggers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the sObject list in insert and update triggers within a Salesforce context is to create new versions of the sObject records. When a trigger is executed because of an insert or update operation, it can access a list of the new records being inserted or the updated versions of existing records. This list is available before the records are actually saved to the database, meaning changes can still be made to them within before triggers.
For example, in a before insert trigger, the sObject list would contain new records that are being added to the database. Here, you can modify field values before they're committed. Similarly, in a before update trigger, the list contains the records with their new values as they are about to be updated, allowing you to make any last-minute changes or validations.
The sObject list is not used to retrieve old versions of records, delete records, or update them post-commit; it is specifically for making pre-commit changes in before triggers.