What is the weakref module in Python and how does it relate to garbage collection?

What is the weakref module in Python and how does it relate to garbage collection?

The weakref module in Python allows you to create weak references to objects, which do not prevent those objects from being garbage collected.

Can you explain how weak references work in practice?

Sure! A weak reference allows you to reference an object without increasing its reference count, meaning it can still be collected by the garbage collector.

What are some use cases for using weak references?

Weak references are useful in caching, implementing observer patterns, and avoiding circular references that can lead to memory leaks.

Are there any limitations to using weak references?

Yes, since weak references do not keep the object alive, they can become invalid if the object is garbage collected, leading to potential errors if accessed.