What are the best practices for copying objects in programming?

What are the best practices for copying objects in programming?

When copying objects, it's important to consider shallow vs deep copying. Shallow copies duplicate the object's top-level properties, while deep copies duplicate all nested objects. Use libraries like Lodash for deep copying.

Can you explain when to use shallow copy versus deep copy?

Use shallow copy when you only need to duplicate the top-level properties and the nested objects can be shared. Use deep copy when you need a completely independent copy of the object, including all nested properties.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when copying objects?

Common pitfalls include forgetting to handle nested objects, leading to unintended side effects, and using the wrong copy method, which can result in performance issues.

Are there any specific libraries you recommend for object copying?

Yes, Lodash is a popular choice for deep copying. You can use _.cloneDeep() for a reliable deep copy. Another option is the native structuredClone() method in modern browsers.