How much do know Python's is Operator?

 

1. Comparing Small Integers

a = 100

b = 100

print(a is b)

True

Explanation:

In Python, small integers (typically between -5 and 256) are cached and reused for efficiency.

When you assign 100 to both a and b, they reference the same memory location because they fall within this range.

Thus, a is b returns True because a and b point to the same object in memory.

2. Comparing Large Integers

a = 300

b = 300

print(a is b)

False

Explanation:

Integers outside the small integer cache range (typically beyond 256) are not necessarily cached.

When you assign 300 to both a and b, they may reference different memory locations.

As a result, a is b returns False because a and b do not necessarily point to the same object in memory.

3. Comparing Strings

a = "hello"

b = "hello"

print(a is b)

True

Explanation:

Python optimizes string storage by using interning for identical string literals.

Since both a and b are assigned the same string literal "hello", they point to the same object in memory.

Hence, a is b returns True because a and b reference the same object.

4. Comparing Lists python

a = "hello"

b = "hello"

print(a is b)

True

Explanation:

Lists are mutable and are not interned like small integers or strings.

Even if a and b contain the same elements, they are distinct objects in memory.

Therefore, a is b returns False because a and b do not refer to the same memory location.

5. Comparing Tuples

a = (1, 2, 3)

b = (1, 2, 3)

print(a is b)

False

Explanation:

Tuples with identical content are not always interned or cached by Python.

Although a and b have the same elements, they are separate objects in memory.

Hence, a is b returns False because a and b do not necessarily point to the same object in memory.