What are circular references and how do they differ across programming languages?

What are circular references and how do they differ across programming languages?

Circular references occur when two or more resources reference each other, creating a loop. In languages like Python, this can lead to memory leaks if not handled properly, while in Java, the garbage collector can manage them more effectively.

Can you give me an example of circular references in Python?

Sure! In Python, if you have two classes that reference each other, like A referencing B and B referencing A, it creates a circular reference. If instances of these classes are not deleted properly, they can remain in memory.

How does Java handle circular references?

Java uses a garbage collector that can detect circular references and clean them up, preventing memory leaks. However, it's still good practice to avoid them when possible.

Are there any programming languages that don't allow circular references?

Yes, some functional programming languages, like Haskell, discourage circular references by design, promoting immutability and pure functions.