Reference Counting
Unlike programs written in Python, C extensions occasionally have to manipulate the reference count of Python objects. This is done using the following macros:
| Macro | Description |
|---|---|
| Py_INCREF(obj) | Increments the reference count of obj, which must be non-null |
| Py_DECREF(obj) | Decrements the reference count of obj, which must be non-null |
| Py_XINCREF(obj) | Increments the reference count of obj, which may be null |
| Py_XDECREF(obj) | Decrements the reference count of obj, which may be null |
Manipulating the reference count of Python objects in C is a delicate topic, and readers are strongly advised to consult the “Extending and Embedding the Python Interpreter” document available at http://www.python.org/doc/ext before proceeding any further. With this ...
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