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

As an illustration for the things already mentioned before:

>>> a = {1:2}
>>> id(a)
3073677212L
>>> a.clear()
>>> id(a)
3073677212L
>>> a = {}
>>> id(a)
3073675716L