What are the best practices for using assert in Python?

What are the best practices for using assert in Python?

Using assert in Python is great for debugging. Best practices include using it for internal checks, not for user input validation.

Can you give me an example of how to use assert?

Sure! You can use it like this: assert x > 0, 'x must be positive'. This will raise an AssertionError if x is not positive.

When should I avoid using assert?

Avoid using assert for critical checks in production code, as they can be disabled with the -O flag, which may lead to unexpected behavior.

Are there any performance implications of using assert?

Yes, using assert can have performance implications since it adds overhead during debugging. However, it can be removed in optimized mode.