The Mutable Trap: Avoiding Unintended Side Effects In Python - Pybites
Briefly

The article discusses a common pitfall in Python programming related to mutable default parameters. It highlights how modifying a mutable parameter within a function can affect its value in subsequent calls, leading to unintended side effects. The explanation clarifies the distinction between a variable's name and the object it references, emphasizing the immutability of strings versus the mutability of lists. Sample code illustrates how variable references affect object states, making it crucial for programmers to handle mutable defaults with care to avoid confusion and errors in their code.
It's essential to understand that modifying a mutable default parameter persists across function calls, which can lead to unexpected behavior in your Python code.
When you pass a mutable object, such as a list, as a default parameter, any changes made inside the function will remain when the function is called again.
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