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Consider the following code snippet using deep copy on an object with an empty scores list. What will be the output after appending 5 to the copy's scores?

medium🧾 Code Trace Q4 of Q15

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

Consider the following code snippet using deep copy on an object with an empty scores list. What will be the output after appending 5 to the copy's scores?

AOriginal scores: [5] Copy scores: [5]

BOriginal scores: [] Copy scores: []

COriginal scores: [] Copy scores: [5]

DOriginal scores: [5] Copy scores: []

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Trace deepcopy with empty list
Deepcopy creates a new empty list for copy_obj.scores, separate from original.scores.
Step 2: Append 5 to copy's scores
Appending 5 affects only copy_obj.scores, so original.scores remains empty.
Final Answer:
Option C -> Option C
Quick Check:
Deep copy isolates empty nested lists -> [OK]

Quick Trick: Empty nested lists are copied separately in deep copy [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Assuming original list changes
Confusing shallow copy behavior

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Candidates expect original to change when copy is modified, missing deep copy isolation.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Tests edge case handling of deep copy with empty nested objects.

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