Python Interview Questions · interview question

Which practice avoids a common mistake with Shallow vs Deep Copy?

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Prefer the version of Shallow vs Deep Copy that makes behavior less predictable as long as the code still runs.Do not assume list.copy() or dict.copy() isolates nested mutable members, because inner objects still alias the original.Ignore the Shallow vs Deep Copy issue and rely on team discipline instead of clearer APIs or invariants.Silence the Shallow vs Deep Copy problem by using broad catches, hidden globals, or extra shared mutable state.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Do not assume list.copy() or dict.copy() isolates nested mutable members, because inner objects still alias the original.

Why

Do not assume list.copy() or dict.copy() isolates nested mutable members, because inner objects still alias the original. This is a common failure mode in real Python code and a frequent interview follow-up.

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Which practice avoids a common mistake with Shallow vs Deep Copy?

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