To clarify how Python handles two equal objects

[Jen Kris]

Thanks for your comments.  After all, I asked for clarity so it’s not pedantic to be precise, and you’re helping to clarify.  

Going back to my original post,

mx1 = [ [ 1, 2, 3 ], [ 4, 5, 6 ], [ 7, 8, 9 ] ]
arr1 = mx1[2]

Now if I write "arr1[1] += 5" then both arr1 and mx1[2][1] will be changed because while they are different names, they are the assigned same memory location (pointer).  Similarly, if I write "mx1[2][1] += 5" then again both names will be updated. 

That’s what I meant by "an operation on one is an operation on the other."  To be more precise, an operation on one name will be reflected in the other name.  The difference is in the names,  not the pointers.  Each name has the same pointer in my example, but operations can be done in Python using either name. 




Jan 11, 2023, 09:13 by roel at roelschroeven.net:

> Op 11/01/2023 om 16:33 schreef Jen Kris via Python-list:
>
>> Yes, I did understand that.  In your example, "a" and "b" are the same pointer, so an operation on one is an operation on the other (because they’re the same memory block).
>>
>
> Sorry if you feel I'm being overly pedantic, but your explanation "an operation on one is an operation on the other (because they’re the same memory block)" still feels a bit misguided. "One" and "other" still make it sound like there are two objects, and "an operation on one" and "an operation on the other" make it sound like there are two operations.
> Sometimes it doesn't matter if we're a bit sloppy for sake of simplicity or convenience, sometimes we really need to be precise. I think this is a case where we need to be precise.
>
> So, to be precise: there is only one object, with possible multiple names to it. We can change the object, using one of the names. That is one and only one operation on one and only one object. Since the different names refer to the same object, that change will of course be visible through all of them.
> Note that 'name' in that sentence doesn't just refer to variables (mx1, arr1, ...) but also things like indexed lists (mx1[0], mx1[[0][0], ...), loop variables, function arguments.
>
> The correct mental model is important here, and I do think you're on track or very close to it, but the way you phrase things does give me that nagging feeling that you still might be just a bit off.
>
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