[Solved] Consider the following Python code snippet:import copy class Student: def __init__(self, name, grades): self.name = name self.grades = grades original = Student('Alice', [90, 85]) copied = copy.... | OOP & Design Patterns

OOP & Design Patterns - Prototype Pattern - Deep Copy vs Shallow Copy

Consider the following Python code snippet:

import copy

class Student:
    def __init__(self, name, grades):
        self.name = name
        self.grades = grades

original = Student('Alice', [90, 85])
copied = copy.deepcopy(original)
copied.grades.append(95)
print(original.grades)

What will be the output of this code?

A[95]

B[90, 85, 95]

CError due to modifying copied object

D[90, 85]

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand deepcopy behavior
Deepcopy creates a new object and recursively copies nested mutable objects.
Step 2: Analyze the code
The copied object's grades list is modified by appending 95, but the original's grades list remains unchanged.
Final Answer:
Option D -> Option D
Quick Check:
Original list unchanged after deepcopy modification [OK]

Quick Trick: Deepcopy isolates nested mutable objects from original [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Assuming shallow copy was used and original list changes
Confusing reference copy with deepcopy
Expecting an error when modifying copied object

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Option B looks plausible if one mistakes deepcopy for shallow copy.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Tests understanding of deepcopy effect on nested mutable fields.

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Solution Trace

More OOP & Design Patterns Quizzes

Consider the following Python code snippet:

Step 1: Understand deepcopy behavior

Step 2: Analyze the code

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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