What is a data class in programming?

Can you explain what a data class is in programming?

Sure! A data class is a special type of class in programming that is primarily used to store data. It automatically generates methods like init, repr, and eq.

What does it mean for a data class to be immutable?

An immutable data class means that once an instance is created, its attributes cannot be changed. This is useful for ensuring data integrity.

Can you give me an example of an immutable data class?

Certainly! In Python, you can use the @dataclass(frozen=True) decorator to create an immutable data class. Here's a simple example:

from dataclasses import dataclass

@dataclass(frozen=True)
class Point:
    x: int
    y: int

This Point class cannot have its x or y values changed after creation.

What are the benefits of using immutable data classes?

Using immutable data classes can lead to safer code, easier debugging, and better performance in concurrent programming, as they prevent unintended side effects.