What is mutability in collections?

What is mutability in collections?

Mutability refers to the ability of a collection to be changed after it is created. In programming, mutable collections can have their elements modified, added, or removed.

Can you give me examples of mutable and immutable collections?

Sure! In Python, a list is a mutable collection because you can change its elements. A tuple, on the other hand, is immutable; once created, its elements cannot be changed.

Why is mutability important in programming?

Mutability is important because it allows for more flexible data structures. Mutable collections can be modified in place, which can lead to more efficient memory usage and performance in certain scenarios.

Are there any downsides to using mutable collections?

Yes, mutable collections can lead to unintended side effects if not managed carefully, especially in concurrent programming where multiple threads might modify the same collection.