What are the different methods for copying data in programming?

What are the different methods for copying data in programming?

There are several methods for copying data, including shallow copy, deep copy, and using built-in functions like copy() in Python.

Can you explain the difference between shallow copy and deep copy?

Sure! A shallow copy creates a new object but inserts references into it to the objects found in the original. A deep copy creates a new object and recursively adds copies of nested objects found in the original.

Which method is more efficient in terms of performance?

Shallow copy is generally more efficient because it doesn't create copies of nested objects, while deep copy can be slower due to the additional overhead of copying all nested structures.

Are there any specific scenarios where one method is preferred over the other?

Yes, shallow copy is preferred when you only need to copy the top-level structure, while deep copy is necessary when you need to ensure that all nested objects are independent.