What are the best practices for using assert in Python?

What are the best practices for using assert in Python?

Using assert statements in Python can help with debugging. Best practices include using them for internal checks, not for user input validation, and ensuring they are not used in production code.

Can you give me an example of a good assert statement?

Sure! A good assert statement might look like this: assert x > 0, 'x must be positive'. This checks that x is greater than zero and provides a helpful message if it fails.

When should I avoid using assert?

You should avoid using assert for validating user input or in production code, as assertions can be disabled with the -O flag in Python.

Are there any performance implications of using assert?

Yes, since assert statements can be disabled, they should not be relied upon for critical checks in production. They can also add overhead during debugging.