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Python example: type hints

Last modified: March 18, 2021

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FAQ

What are type hints in Python?

Type hints are annotations that provide information about the expected types of function arguments, return values, and class attributes in Python code.

Why use type hints in Python?

Type hints can help improve code readability, maintainability, and robustness by providing more precise information about the expected types of data.

How do you add type hints in Python?

Type hints can be added using the 'typing' module, which includes a range of built-in types, as well as the ability to define custom types.

Do Python type hints enforce type checking?

No, Python type hints are optional and do not enforce type checking at runtime. However, tools like the 'mypy' type checker can be used to statically analyze code and check for type errors based on type hints.

What is the syntax for adding type hints in Python function definitions?

Type hints are added in the function definition using a colon and arrow notation, like so: 'def my_function(x: int, y: str) -> bool:'

Can type hints be added to class attributes in Python?

Yes, type hints can be added to class attributes using the same syntax as for function arguments.

Are type hints compatible with Python 2?

No, type hints were introduced in Python 3.5 and are not compatible with Python 2.

What is the 'Any' type in Python type hints?

The 'Any' type is a special type in Python type hints that indicates that any type of data is accepted for a given argument or attribute. It is generally discouraged to use 'Any' in favor of more specific types when possible.

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