What is an access control decorator in programming?

What is an access control decorator in programming?

An access control decorator is a design pattern used to restrict access to certain functions or methods based on user permissions.

Can you give me an example of how to implement one in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def access_control_decorator(permission):
    def decorator(func):
        def wrapper(user):
            if user.has_permission(permission):
                return func(user)
            else:
                raise PermissionError('Access denied')
        return wrapper
    return decorator

@access_control_decorator('admin')
def admin_function(user):
    return 'Welcome, admin!'

What happens if a user without permission tries to access the function?

If a user without the required permission tries to access the function, a PermissionError will be raised, indicating access is denied.

Are there any best practices for using access control decorators?

Yes, it's best to keep your decorators simple, ensure clear error messages, and document the permissions required for each function.