[Tutor] Function Return Values (or References)

[John Steedman]

Hi Tutors,

I'm confused by the following possible contradiction. Would someone please
explain or point me to the right docs.

FACT 1

"Variables in python hold references to objects."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_syntax_and_semantics

FACT 2

>>>def Increment ( x ) :
>>>    // return x + 1
>>>    x = x + 1
>>>    return x
>>>
>>>y = 1
>>>z = Increment ( y )
>>>y
1
>>>z
2

By FACT 1  x should be a reference parameter...?
By Fact 2 x would seem to be a copy...?

What in the world of dynamic typing is going on?

Many thanks,
John
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