What are the best practices for copying objects in Python?

What are the best practices for copying objects in Python?

In Python, the best practices for copying objects include using the copy module, which provides copy() for shallow copies and deepcopy() for deep copies. It's important to understand the difference between these two methods.

Can you explain the difference between shallow and deep copies?

Sure! A shallow copy creates a new object but inserts references into it to the objects found in the original. A deep copy creates a new object and recursively adds copies of nested objects found in the original.

When should I use deep copies?

You should use deep copies when you need to copy an object along with all the objects it references, especially if those objects are mutable and you want to avoid unintended side effects.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, deep copies can be more memory-intensive and slower than shallow copies, especially for large objects. It's important to choose the right method based on your specific use case.