What is duck typing and how is it used in different programming languages?

What is duck typing and how is it used in different programming languages?

Duck typing is a concept in programming where the type or class of an object is determined by its behavior (methods and properties) rather than its explicit declaration. This is commonly seen in dynamically typed languages.

Can you give me examples of languages that use duck typing?

Sure! Python and Ruby are two prominent examples of languages that utilize duck typing. In these languages, if an object behaves like a certain type, it can be treated as that type.

How does duck typing differ from static typing?

In static typing, the type of a variable is known at compile time, and type checks are performed before the code runs. Duck typing, on the other hand, checks types at runtime, allowing for more flexibility but potentially leading to runtime errors if an object doesn't behave as expected.

Are there any drawbacks to using duck typing?

Yes, while duck typing offers flexibility, it can lead to runtime errors that are harder to debug. It may also make code less readable, as the expected types are not explicitly defined.