What are data classes in Python and how do I use them?

What are data classes in Python and how do I use them?

Data classes are a feature in Python that allows you to create classes specifically for storing data. They automatically generate special methods like init(), repr(), and eq() based on class attributes.

Can you show me an example of how to define a data class?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

from dataclasses import dataclass

@dataclass
class Person:
    name: str
    age: int

This defines a data class called Person with two attributes: name and age.

What are the benefits of using data classes?

Data classes reduce boilerplate code, improve readability, and make it easier to manage data structures. They also provide built-in methods for comparison and representation.

Can I add default values to data class attributes?

Yes, you can! Just assign a default value in the class definition. For example:

@dataclass
class Person:
    name: str
    age: int = 30  # Default age is 30