code: def _set_splits(self, split_dict):
      
      # Update the dictionary representation.
      # Use from/to proto for a clean copy
      self._splits = split_dict.copy()
  
      # Update the proto
      del self.as_proto.splits[:]  # Clear previous
      for split_info in split_dict.to_proto():
        self.as_proto.splits.add().CopyFrom(split_info)
docs: Split setter (private method).