What are the best practices for using assertions in programming?

What are the best practices for using assertions in programming?

Assertions are used to verify assumptions in your code. Best practices include using them for internal checks, not for user input validation, and ensuring they are disabled in production.

Can you give me an example of a good assertion?

Sure! For instance, in Python, you might use assert x > 0, 'x must be positive' to ensure that the variable x is always positive.

When should I avoid using assertions?

Avoid using assertions for critical checks that could lead to security vulnerabilities or when you need to handle errors gracefully.

Are there any performance implications of using assertions?

Yes, assertions can impact performance if they are used extensively, especially in production. It's best to limit their use to debugging.

How do assertions differ from exceptions?

Assertions are used to catch programming errors during development, while exceptions are used to handle runtime errors that can occur during normal operation.