What are some examples of mutable state in Python?

What are some examples of mutable state in Python?

In Python, mutable state refers to objects that can be changed after their creation. Examples include lists, dictionaries, and sets.

Can you give me an example of how a list is mutable?

Sure! For instance, if you create a list like my_list = [1, 2, 3], you can change it by using my_list.append(4), which modifies the original list.

What happens if I try to change a string?

Strings in Python are immutable, meaning you cannot change them directly. For example, my_string = 'hello' cannot be altered; you would need to create a new string instead.

Are there any performance implications of using mutable objects?

Yes, mutable objects can lead to unintended side effects if shared across functions. It's important to manage their state carefully.