Identity
Definition
Identity in Python refers to the uniqueness of an object. It is determined by the object's memory address, which can be checked using the id() function.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Two objects with the same value may have different identities if they are stored at different memory addresses.
- The 'is' operator checks if two variables reference the same object (i.e., have the same identity).
- The id() function returns a unique identifier for an object, which is its memory address.
- Immutable objects like integers, strings, and tuples with the same value often share the same identity due to interning.
- Mutable objects like lists and dictionaries always have unique identities unless explicitly assigned.
Review Questions
- How do you check if two variables reference the same object in Python?
- What does the id() function return when called on an object?
- Why might two mutable objects with the same content not share the same identity?
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Related terms
Variable: A symbolic name associated with a value and whose associated value may be changed.
Mutable Object: An object whose state or contents can be modified after it is created.
'is' Operator: A comparison operator that checks if two variables refer to the same object in memory.
