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Implement a Smart Pointer
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Implement a Smart Pointer

MediumPython

Problem

Implement a smart pointer.

Asked in the phone screen stage. Preceded by memory questions.

Implement the behavior through def smart_pointer(operations):. Each operation is an array:

  • ["make", name, value] creates an object and its first owner.
  • ["copy", new_name, existing_name] creates another owner of the same object.
  • ["refs", name] records the current reference count.
  • ["value", name] records the stored value.
  • ["release", name] releases that owner.

Return outputs for refs and value operations in order. Inputs are valid, and an object is reclaimed when its count reaches zero.

Constraints

  • 1 <= operations.length <= 5000
  • Each operation is valid and references an existing owner when required
  • Names are unique until their owner is released
  • Values are integers
  • An object is reclaimed immediately when its reference count reaches zero

Function Signature

def smart_pointer(operations):
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