Copy Semantics
Copy Semantics refers to the rules and behaviors that dictate how data is copied in programming languages. When an object is copied, the semantics determine whether a new instance is created or if a reference to the original object is used. This distinction is crucial for managing memory and ensuring that changes to one object do not unintentionally affect another.
In languages like C++, Copy Semantics can be implemented through copy constructors and assignment operators. In contrast, languages like Python use reference semantics by default, meaning that variables point to the same object in memory. Understanding these concepts helps developers avoid bugs related to unintended data sharing.