Difference between dict.clear() and assigning {} in Python

Question

In python, is there a difference between calling clear() and assigning {} to a dictionary? If yes, what is it? Example:

d = {\"stuff\":\"         


        

Answer 1

d = {} will create a new instance for d but all other references will still point to the old contents. d.clear() will reset the contents, but all references to the same instance will still be correct.