What are generic methods in Python?

What are generic methods in Python?

Generic methods in Python allow you to define functions that can operate on different data types. They use type hints to specify the expected types.

Can you give me an example of a generic method?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

from typing import TypeVar, List
T = TypeVar('T')

def get_first_element(elements: List[T]) -> T:
    return elements[0]

This method returns the first element of a list, regardless of the type of elements in the list.

How do I use type hints in Python?

Type hints in Python are used to indicate the expected data types of function arguments and return values. You can use the typing module for more complex types.

Are there any limitations to using generic methods?

Yes, while generic methods are powerful, they can sometimes lead to less readable code and may introduce complexity if overused.