What are the benefits of using data classes in programming?

What are the benefits of using data classes in programming?

Data classes simplify the creation of classes that are primarily used to store data. They automatically generate methods like init, repr, and eq.

Can you give me an example of a data class?

Sure! Here's a simple example in Python:

from dataclasses import dataclass

@dataclass
class Person:
    name: str
    age: int

This automatically creates an initializer and other methods for the Person class.

What advantages do they have over regular classes?

Data classes reduce boilerplate code, improve readability, and make it easier to manage data structures. They also support default values and type annotations.

Are there any downsides to using data classes?

One downside is that data classes are immutable by default, which may not be suitable for all use cases. Also, they can introduce overhead if used excessively.