Understanding mutable and immutable objects in Python is essential for writing reliable and efficient code. These concepts determine how data can be modified and stored in memory, impacting performance and behavior.
Mutability :-
Mutability refers to an object's ability to change its content without altering its identity. Mutable objects can be modified after they are created, preserving their memory address.
Examples of Mutable Objects
1.List
my_list = [1, 2, 3]
print(id(my_list)) # Memory reference before modification
my_list.append(4)
print(my_list) # Output: [1, 2, 3, 4]
print(id(my_list)) # Memory reference after modification (same as before)
2.Dictionaries
my_dict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
print(id(my_dict)) # Memory reference before modification
my_dict['c'] = 3
print(my_dict) # Output: {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
print(id(my_dict)) # Memory reference after modification (same as before)
3.Sets
my_set = {1, 2, 3}
print(id(my_set)) # Memory reference before modification
my_set.add(4)
print(my_set) # Output: {1, 2, 3, 4}
print(id(my_set)) # Memory reference after modification (same as before)
Key characteristics
Content can be changed.
Memory reference remains the same after modification
Immutability :-
Immutability means an object's state cannot be changed after it is created. Any modification creates a new object with a new memory reference.
Examples of Immutable Objects
1.Strings
my_string = "Hello"
print(id(my_string)) # Memory reference before modification
new_string = my_string + " World"
print(new_string) # Output: Hello World
print(id(new_string)) # Memory reference after modification (different from before)
2.Tuples
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
print(id(my_tuple)) # Memory reference before modification
new_tuple = my_tuple + (4,)
print(new_tuple) # Output: (1, 2, 3, 4)
print(id(new_tuple)) # Memory reference after modification (different from before)
Key Characteristics
Content cannot be changed.
Any "modification" creates a new object with a new memory reference.
Key Differences Between Mutable and Immutable
Mutable objects retain the same memory reference when modified.
Immutable objects require a new memory reference for each modification
Mutable objects are more efficient for frequent updates.
Immutable objects are safer for read-only or thread-safe operations.
Mutable: Suitable for collections needing frequent updates (e.g., lists, dictionaries).
Immutable: Ideal for constant values or as dictionary keys (e.g., strings, tuples).
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