What are Python objects and how does memory management work in Python?

What are Python objects and how does memory management work in Python?

Python objects are instances of classes that encapsulate data and functionality. Memory management in Python is handled by the Python memory manager, which includes a private heap containing all Python objects and data structures.

Can you explain how Python handles memory allocation for these objects?

Python uses a system of reference counting and garbage collection to manage memory. When an object is created, memory is allocated, and when there are no references to that object, it is automatically deallocated.

What is the difference between mutable and immutable objects in Python?

Mutable objects can be changed after their creation, like lists and dictionaries, while immutable objects cannot be altered, such as strings and tuples.

How does this affect performance in Python?

Mutable objects can lead to more efficient memory usage since they can be modified in place, while immutable objects may require creating new objects, which can impact performance.