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What is the difference between list1 = list2 and list1.copy()?

Python/Codingeasy0.6 min readPremium
Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
179
questions in Python/Coding
Difficulty Split
127E|24M|28H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
HCL
Expert AnswerPremium
110 wordsInterview-ready
**Assignment vs Copy:** list1 = list2 → alias, same object. list1 = list2.copy() (or list2[:]) → shallow copy, new list, same element refs. Nested structures shared in shallow copy. **When to Use:** Alias when you want to modify original through both refs. Shallow copy when you need independent list but elements can be shared....
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