Python Internals · interview question

Which naming or modeling choice is strongest for mutability traps?

Multiple choiceMediumchapter-19-curatedpremiumpython-internalsmutability-traps

python

def add_flag(flags: list[str] | None = None) -> list[str]:
    flags = [] if flags is None else flags
    flags.append("seen")
    return flags

Solve the symptom with comments only and avoid changing the code shape around mutability traps.Keep mutability traps implicit so the script stays short and hope the next engineer infers the rule.Use names and structures that describe the business fact directly instead of temporary implementation noise.Delay clarity until production traffic reveals the edge case and then patch it under pressure.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. Use names and structures that describe the business fact directly instead of temporary implementation noise.

Why

Clear naming and modeling shorten debugging, review, and onboarding time.

Test yourself on Python Internals

A free test with instant, explained results. No account needed.

Start free test

All Python Internals questions →

Which naming or modeling choice is strongest for mutability traps?

Correct answer

Why

More Python Internals questions