When should I use shallow copy vs deep copy?

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, on the other hand, creates a new object and recursively copies all objects found in the original.

When should I use a shallow copy instead of a deep copy?

You should use a shallow copy when you want to duplicate an object but don't need to copy the nested objects. It's more memory efficient.

Are there any downsides to using shallow copies?

Yes, if the original object is modified, the changes will reflect in the shallow copy since they share references to the same nested objects.

Can you give me an example of when to use deep copy?

Certainly! Use a deep copy when you need to create a completely independent clone of an object, especially if it contains nested objects that you want to modify without affecting the original.