What is the difference between immutable and mutable strings?

What is the difference between immutable and mutable strings?

Immutable strings cannot be changed after they are created, while mutable strings can be modified.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! In Python, strings are immutable. For example, if you have a string s = 'hello', you can't change it directly. In Java, StringBuilder is mutable, allowing you to modify the string.

Why would I want to use mutable strings?

Mutable strings are useful when you need to make frequent changes to a string, as they can be more efficient in terms of memory and performance.

Are there any downsides to using mutable strings?

Yes, mutable strings can lead to unintended side effects if not managed carefully, as changes affect the original string.