What is type inference and how does it differ across programming languages?

What is type inference and how does it differ across programming languages?

Type inference is the ability of a programming language to automatically deduce the types of expressions. Different languages implement it in various ways. For example, languages like Haskell use strong type inference, while JavaScript uses a more dynamic approach.

Can you give examples of languages with strong and weak type inference?

Sure! Haskell and Scala are examples of languages with strong type inference, as they can often determine types without explicit annotations. On the other hand, languages like Python and JavaScript have weaker type inference, requiring more explicit type definitions in some cases.

How does type inference affect code readability and maintainability?

Type inference can enhance readability by reducing boilerplate code, allowing developers to focus on logic rather than types. However, it can also lead to confusion if types are not clear, making maintenance harder.

Are there any performance implications of using type inference?

Yes, type inference can impact performance. In statically typed languages, it can lead to optimizations at compile time, while in dynamically typed languages, it may introduce overhead during runtime due to type checks.