> All Python values are references, so you are essentially storing a > pointer to the function object within the problem. Python assignment > does not copy. This is a fundamental concept of Python that often > confuses newbies, it is worth taking some time to understand it > correctly. My explanation is here: > http://personalpages.tds.net/~kent37/kk/00012.html
inside kent's post is an(other) article by fredrik lundh that may be difficult to see during reading so i want to post it so you don't miss it: http://effbot.org/zone/call-by-object.htm in my training courses, when people ask if Python is "call-by-reference" or "call-by-value," i tell them it's neither... *and* both, then proceed to show them what i mean. this topic is definitely a place where beginners trip up, and it is also where you begin your long road to maturity as a Python programmer. remember, Python places an strong emphasis on objects, and in this particular case, what happens depends on whether an object allows for modification (mutability). hope this helps! -- wesley - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Core Python Programming", Prentice Hall, (c)2007,2001 "Python Fundamentals", Prentice Hall, (c)2009 http://corepython.com wesley.j.chun :: wescpy-at-gmail.com python training and technical consulting cyberweb.consulting : silicon valley, ca http://cyberwebconsulting.com _______________________________________________ Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor
