Passing an integer by reference in Python

Question

How can I pass an integer by reference in Python?

I want to modify the value of a variable that I am passing to the function. I have read that everything in Python i

Answer 1

Really, the best practice is to step back and ask whether you really need to do this. Why do you want to modify the value of a variable that you're passing in to the function?

If you need to do it for a quick hack, the quickest way is to pass a list holding the integer, and stick a [0] around every use of it, as mgilson's answer demonstrates.

If you need to do it for something more significant, write a class that has an int as an attribute, so you can just set it. Of course this forces you to come up with a good name for the class, and for the attribute—if you can't think of anything, go back and read the sentence again a few times, and then use the list.

More generally, if you're trying to port some Java idiom directly to Python, you're doing it wrong. Even when there is something directly corresponding (as with static/@staticmethod), you still don't want to use it in most Python programs just because you'd use it in Java.