What is the difference between assert statements and exceptions in Python?

What is the difference between assert statements and exceptions in Python?

In Python, assert statements are used for debugging purposes, while exceptions are used for error handling.

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

Sure! You can use assert like this: assert x > 0, 'x must be positive'. It raises an AssertionError if the condition is false.

When should I use exceptions instead of assert?

Use exceptions for handling runtime errors that can occur during program execution, while asserts are for catching programming errors.

Are there any performance implications of using assert?

Yes, assert statements can be disabled with the -O flag, which can improve performance but may hide bugs.