Python Internals · interview question

Which option is the safer default when shipping code around reference counting and gc?

Multiple choiceHardchapter-19-curatedpremiumpython-internalsreference-counting-and-gc

python

import gc

print(gc.get_threshold())

Keep reference counting and gc implicit so the script stays short and hope the next engineer infers the rule.Choose the simpler shape that keeps the rule obvious, validated, and easy to observe in logs or tests.Delay clarity until production traffic reveals the edge case and then patch it under pressure.Solve the symptom with comments only and avoid changing the code shape around reference counting and gc.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Choose the simpler shape that keeps the rule obvious, validated, and easy to observe in logs or tests.

Why

The safest default is usually the one that lowers ambiguity and makes errors easier to diagnose.

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Which option is the safer default when shipping code around reference counting and gc?

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