What are some examples of type checking in programming languages?

What are some examples of type checking in programming languages?

Type checking is a way to verify the type of a variable at compile time or runtime. Examples include:

1. Static Type Checking: Languages like Java and C# check types at compile time.
2. Dynamic Type Checking: Languages like Python and JavaScript check types at runtime.
3. Strong vs Weak Typing: Strongly typed languages like Haskell enforce strict type rules, while weakly typed languages like JavaScript are more flexible.

Can you explain the difference between static and dynamic type checking?

Sure! Static type checking occurs at compile time, meaning errors are caught before the program runs. This can lead to safer code. Dynamic type checking, on the other hand, happens at runtime, allowing for more flexibility but potentially leading to runtime errors.

What are the advantages of static type checking?

The advantages of static type checking include:

1. Early Error Detection: Catches type errors before execution.
2. Improved Performance: Optimizations can be made during compilation.
3. Better Documentation: Type annotations serve as documentation for developers.

Are there any languages that support both static and dynamic type checking?

Yes, some languages like TypeScript and Scala support both static and dynamic type checking. TypeScript adds static typing to JavaScript, while Scala allows for both compile-time and runtime type checks.