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Cloning and Modifying Mutable Objects in Python

The nature of how Python handles mutable and immutable data can make it easy to accidentally modify a different variable when passing mutable data structures into functions or methods as arguments. Being able to use a dictionary or list a variable's contents without changing the original can be very handy for creating a default configuration, or as a data template. In this hands-on lab, you'll be writing a small script that utilizes a data template to help generate information about a real estate transaction while ensuring that the original data isn't modified during the process. Completing this lab will demonstrate that you understand how data copying works within Python.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 1h 0m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 29, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Parse the Template JSON File

    There should always be a template.json file next to the script so that it can get an up-to-date picture of the values that don't change. When the script is initially run, this should be parsed and stored as the template variable.

  2. Challenge

    Prompt for the Values That Need to Be Changed

    When the tool is run, it should present the user with a series of prompts like this:

    $ python real_estate.py
Address
Street 1: [prompt]
Street 2: [prompt]
City: [prompt]
State: [prompt]
ZIP: [prompt]

Details
Square Footage: [prompt]
Bedrooms: [prompt]
Bathrooms: [prompt]
Amenities (use | between items): [prompt]

Was there a referrer? (Y or n): [prompt]
Referrer: [prompt ONLY if Y to previous]

  3. Challenge

    Export New Data to a New JSON File

    Write the dictionary with the new values to a JSON file named after the street address of the property with the spaces converted to dashes.

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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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