---
title: "Pass by Value and Pass by Reference in Python"
description: "Here's an example of how to work with pass-by-value and pass-by-reference in Python."
url: https://srinimf.com/2022/05/23/python-pass-by-value-vs-pass-by-reference-simple-example/
date: 2022-05-23
modified: 2026-10-10
author: "Srini"
image: https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pexels-photo-7868979.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1255&ssl=1
categories: ["Python"]
tags: ["Pass by value and reference in Python"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Pass by Value and Pass by Reference in Python

Passing a value and passing a reference explained below. Below is the simple example which shows [how to](https://srinimf.com/2023/06/11/the-real-use-of-unnest-function-in-db2-sql/) use these in python.

Related[How a MetaClass Works in Python and Real Usage](https://srinimf.com/2021/02/07/metaclasess-python2-vs-python3/)

![python pass value reference](https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/python-pass-value-reference.png?resize=600%2C424&ssl=1)*Python Pass by Value Vs. Pass by Reference Simple Example*

## **What is Pass by value**

What is pass by value? Passing a value as an argument to the function. The pass-by-value concept explained in three steps.

- Create a function
- pass ***value*** as an argument to the function
- to verify the result

A literal (20) as an argument supplied here. So it is called pass-by-value.

```
def my_pass_by_value(b):
    b += 2
    print(b)
c=my_pass_by_value(20)
print(c)
The result:
22
None
** Process exited - Return Code: 0 **
Press Enter to exit terminal
```

**Also read:** **Impress your audience with Microsoft PowerPoint**

## **What is Pass by reference**

Supplying a reference instead of value is called pass-by-refefence. The working principle you can see in the below example.

- Create a function
- pass ***reference*** as an argument to the function
- to verify the result

The below example tells how pass-by-reference works. Value not supplied, instead of the value provided a variable (reference).

```
def my_pass_by_reference(r):
    r += 10
    print(r)
ref1=100
h=my_pass_by_reference(ref1)
print(h)
The result
110
None
** Process exited - Return Code: 0 **
Press Enter to exit terminal
```

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