dictionary - Difference between dict.clear() and assigning {} in Python

Question

In python, is there a difference between calling clear() and assigning {} to a dictionary? If yes, what is it? Example:

d = {"stuff":"things"}
d.clear()   #this way
d = {}      #vs this way

Answer 1

If you have another variable also referring to the same dictionary, there is a big difference:

>>> d = {"stuff": "things"}
>>> d2 = d
>>> d = {}
>>> d2
{'stuff': 'things'}
>>> d = {"stuff": "things"}
>>> d2 = d
>>> d.clear()
>>> d2
{}

This is because assigning d = {} creates a new, empty dictionary and assigns it to the d variable. This leaves d2 pointing at the old dictionary with items still in it. However, d.clear() clears the same dictionary that d and d2 both point at.