What are some common mistakes when using mutable collections in programming?

What are some common mistakes when using mutable collections in programming?

Some common mistakes include modifying collections while iterating over them, not considering thread safety, and using mutable objects as keys in hash-based collections.

Can you explain why modifying a collection while iterating is a problem?

Modifying a collection during iteration can lead to unexpected behavior, such as skipping elements or encountering runtime exceptions.

What should I do to avoid these issues?

To avoid these issues, you can create a copy of the collection to iterate over or use iterator methods that allow safe modifications.

Are there any best practices for using mutable collections?

Yes, some best practices include using immutable collections when possible, being mindful of concurrency, and clearly documenting the intended use of mutable collections.