What are the best practices for using assertions in programming?

What are the best practices for using assertions in programming?

Best practices for assertions include using them to catch programming errors, ensuring they are not used for argument checking, and keeping them enabled in production.

Can you give me an example of a good assertion?

Sure! A good assertion might look like this in Python: assert x > 0, 'x must be positive'. This checks that x is greater than zero.

Should assertions be used for input validation?

No, assertions should not be used for input validation. They are meant for catching programmer errors, not user input.

What happens if an assertion fails?

If an assertion fails, it raises an AssertionError, which typically indicates a bug in the code that needs to be fixed.

Are there any performance considerations with assertions?

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