python byRef // copy

Question

I am new to Python (and dont know much about programming anyway), but I remember reading that python generally does not copy values so any statement a = b makes b point to a

Answer 1

When you execute b = a, it makes b refer to the same value a refers to. Then when you execute a = 2, it makes a refer to a new value. b is unaffected.

The rules about assignment in Python:

1. Assignment simply makes the name refer to the value.

2. Assignment to a name never affects other names that refer to the old value.

3. Data is never copied implicitly.