Identify the subtle bug in the following Python code implementing a deep copy method for a Profile class: import copy class Profile: def init(self, name, scores): self.name = name self.scores = scores def deepcopy(self, memo): new_name = copy.deepcopy(self.name) new_scores = copy.deepcopy(self.scores, memo) return Profile(new_name, new_scores)

medium🐞 Bug Identification Q7 of Q15

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

Identify the subtle bug in the following Python code implementing a deep copy method for a Profile class: import copy class Profile: def __init__(self, name, scores): self.name = name self.scores = scores def __deepcopy__(self, memo): new_name = copy.deepcopy(self.name) new_scores = copy.deepcopy(self.scores, memo) return Profile(new_name, new_scores)

AMissing passing memo dictionary to deepcopy of name

BNot copying the scores list deeply

CReturning a new Profile instead of modifying self

DUsing copy.deepcopy instead of copy.copy

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Examine deepcopy calls
copy.deepcopy(self.name) is called without passing memo, which can cause redundant copies or infinite recursion on cyclic references.
Step 2: Verify scores deepcopy call
copy.deepcopy(self.scores, memo) correctly passes memo dictionary, avoiding repeated copies.
Final Answer:
Option A -> Option A
Quick Check:
Always pass memo to all deepcopy calls to avoid bugs -> [OK]

Quick Trick: Pass memo dict to all deepcopy calls to avoid recursion bugs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Forgetting memo in deepcopy calls
Assuming shallow copy suffices

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Candidates miss passing memo causing subtle infinite recursion or duplicate copies.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Tests attention to detail in implementing deep copy methods.

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Solution Trace

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Step 1: Examine deepcopy calls

Step 2: Verify scores deepcopy call

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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