Shared Reference in Python

Last Updated : 27 Jul, 2026

A shared reference occurs when multiple variables refer to the same object in memory. Instead of creating a new object during assignment, Python creates another reference to the existing object. Shared references are also needed because changes made to mutable objects, such as lists and dictionaries, can affect all variables that reference the same object.

Example:

Python 
x = 5
y = x
print(x)
print(y)

Output
5
5

Reassigning Variables

Reassigning a variable creates a new reference without affecting other variables.

Python 
x = 5
y = x
x = "Geeks"
print(x)
print(y)

Output
Geeks
5

Explanation:

  • Initially, both x and y reference 5.
  • x = "Geeks" creates a new string object.
  • x now references "Geeks".
  • y still references 5.

If an object is no longer referenced, Python eventually reclaims its memory through garbage collection.

Shared References and Mutable Objects

Mutable objects can be modified after creation. This requires extra care when using shared references.

Python 
L1 = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
L2 = L1
L1[0] = 0
print(L1)
print(L2)

Output
[0, 2, 3, 4, 5]
[0, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Explanation:

  • L2 = L1 creates a shared reference.
  • Both variables point to the same list.
  • L1[0] = 0 modifies the original list in place.
  • The changes are visible through both variables.

Creating Independent Copies

If separate objects are needed, create a copy instead of a shared reference.

Python 
L1 = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
L2 = L1[:]
L1[0] = 0
print(L1)
print(L2)

Output
[0, 2, 3, 4, 5]
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Explanation:

  • L1[:] creates a shallow copy of the list.
  • L1 and L2 become independent objects.
  • Modifying L1 no longer affects L2.

Note: List slicing only works for lists. Use .copy() for dictionaries and sets.

Comparing Objects Using == and is

Python provides two ways to compare objects.

Example 1: Shared Reference

Python 
L1 = [1, 2, 3]
L2 = L1
print(L1 == L2)
print(L1 is L2)

Output
True
True

Explanation:

  • == compares object values.
  • is compares object identities.
  • Since both variables reference the same object, both return True.

Example 2: Different Objects With Same Values

Python 
L1 = [1, 2, 3]
L2 = [1, 2, 3]
print(L1 == L2)
print(L1 is L2)

Output
True
False

Explanation:

  • Both lists contain identical values.
  • They are stored as separate objects in memory.
  • == returns True.
  • is returns False.

Small Integer and String Caching

Python internally caches some frequently used immutable objects such as small integers and certain strings to improve performance.

Python 
a = 50
b = 50
print(a == b)
print(a is b)

Output
True
True

Explanation:

  • Python may reuse the same object for small integers.
  • a and b can reference the same cached object.
  • Therefore, is may also return True.

Note: Object caching is an implementation detail and should not be relied upon in programs. Use == for value comparisons and reserve is for identity checks (for example, value is None).

Assignment vs Copying in Python

OperationCreates New Object?Shared Reference?
b = aNoYes
b = a[:]Yes (lists only)No
b = a.copy()YesNo
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