Dec 10, 2024 · Python provides the copy module to create actual copies which offer functions for shallow (copy.copy()) and deep (copy. deepcopy ()) copies. In this article, we will explore the main difference between Deep Copy and Shallow Copy.

2 days ago · A shallow copy constructs a new compound object and then (to the extent possible) inserts references into it to the objects found in the original. A deep copy constructs a new compound object and then, recursively, inserts copies into it of the objects found in the original.

In Python, there is a module called copy with two useful functions: copy() is a shallow copy function. If the given argument is a compound data structure, for instance a list, then Python will create another object of the same type (in this case, a new list) but for everything inside the old list, only their reference is copied. Think of it like:

Apr 21, 2025 · Deep copying recursively duplicates all objects, ensuring full independence from the original. Python’s copy module provides the copy() function for shallow copies and deepcopy() for deep copies. Custom classes can implement .__copy__() and .__deepcopy__() for specific copying behavior.

To make these copy work, we use the copy module. We use the copy module of Python for shallow and deep copy operations. Suppose, you need to copy the compound list say x. For example: Here, the copy() return a shallow copy of x. Similarly, deepcopy() return a …

May 13, 2023 · To make a deep copy, use the deepcopy() function from the copy module. In a deep copy, actual copies of the objects are inserted instead of their references. As a result, changes to one object do not affect the other. Here's an example of applying the deepcopy() function to a slice:

Apr 12, 2025 · In Python, dealing with object duplication is a common task. Understanding the difference between copy and deepcopy is crucial, especially when working with complex data structures such as nested lists, dictionaries, or custom objects.

Aug 10, 2022 · In this article, you’ll read about the difference between shallow and deep copy when used on simple data structures. Then, you’ll look at more complex structures, including when copying an object created from a class you define yourself.

Deep Copying of objects is supported in Python through the deepcopy () function of the “copy” module. The deepcopy () method creates a new compound object and copies the members found in the original object recursively into the compound object.

Aug 24, 2023 · In Python, a deep copy generates a new and independent copy of an entire object or list, complete with its unique memory address. Consequently, modifications to the original object or list do not impact the copied object or list, and vice versa. This function is a component of Python’s copy module.