What are Python object references?

Can you explain what Python object references are?

Sure! In Python, an object reference is a way to access an object in memory. When you create a variable, it holds a reference to the object rather than the object itself.

How does this affect memory management in Python?

It means that multiple variables can refer to the same object. If one variable changes the object, the change is reflected in all references, which can lead to unexpected behavior if not managed properly.

Can you give an example of this?

Absolutely! If you have a list a = [1, 2, 3] and then do b = a, both a and b refer to the same list. If you modify b, a will reflect that change too.

What happens if I assign a new list to b?

If you do b = [4, 5, 6], now b refers to a new list, while a still refers to the original list [1, 2, 3]. They are now independent.