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Discussion on: Python 'is' vs '=='

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aminmansuri profile image
hidden_dude

wouldn't 'is' be used in s scenario where we're comparing pointers like in a linked list?

while p is not q :
p = p.next

I think that is how 'is' should be used.

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wangonya profile image
Kelvin Wangonya • Edited

I've not used linked lists much so I wouldn't know but yeah, I guess that would work.

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codemouse92 profile image
Jason C. McDonald

Well, Python doesn't have pointers, per se, nor would there ordinarily be a cause to implement your own linked list. It's virtually always best to use Python's own data structures, or at least build upon them.

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aminmansuri profile image
hidden_dude

yes.. but if you needed something fancy like a left leaning red black tree or a concurrent skip list you'd need 'is' to work for you for completeness.

(ps. I know they don't really have "pointers" but in these scenarios you use it like a pointer)