How Can I Create an Independent Copy of a Python Dictionary?

Copying Dictionaries to Maintain Independence

When creating a new dictionary by assigning it to an existing one (dict2 = dict1), you might expect the new dictionary to be an independent copy. However, Python's behavior is different. By assigning dict2 to dict1, both variables refer to the same dictionary object. This means any modification made to dict2 will also affect dict1.

The Solution: Using Explicit Copying

To avoid this behavior and create an independent copy, you need to make an explicit copy of the dictionary using either of the following methods:

• Using dict() Constructor: You can create a copy of a dictionary using the dict() constructor:

dict2 = dict(dict1)

• Using the .copy() Method: The .copy() method also creates a new copy of the dictionary:

dict2 = dict1.copy()

By using either of these methods, you will create a copy of the original dictionary that is independent and will not affect the original dictionary when modified.

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