What is the difference between duck typing and static typing?

What is the difference between duck typing and static typing?

Duck typing is a concept in dynamic programming languages where the type of an object is determined by its behavior (methods and properties) rather than its explicit type. Static typing, on the other hand, requires the type of a variable to be defined at compile time, which is common in languages like Java or C++.

Can you give me an example of duck typing?

Sure! In Python, if you have a function that expects an object to have a 'quack' method, it doesn't matter what the actual type of the object is, as long as it implements that method. This allows for more flexibility.

What are the advantages of static typing?

Static typing can catch type errors at compile time, which can lead to fewer runtime errors. It also improves code readability and maintainability by making the types explicit.

Are there any disadvantages to duck typing?

Yes, duck typing can lead to runtime errors if an object doesn't have the expected methods or properties, making it harder to debug. It can also reduce code clarity since types are not explicitly defined.