What are the differences between generics and regular types in Python?

What are the differences between generics and regular types in Python?

Generics allow you to write flexible and reusable code by defining functions or classes that can operate on different types. Regular types, on the other hand, are specific and do not offer this flexibility.

Can you give me an example of generics in Python?

Sure! In Python, you can use the typing module to create a generic class. For example:

from typing import TypeVar, Generic

T = TypeVar('T')

class Box(Generic[T]):
    def __init__(self, item: T):
        self.item = item

This Box class can hold any type of item.

How do regular types differ in usage?

Regular types are used directly without the need for type variables. For instance, if you define a class like class IntegerBox: that only holds integers, it cannot be reused for other types like strings or floats.

When should I use generics over regular types?

Use generics when you want to create reusable and type-safe code that can handle multiple data types. Regular types are suitable for specific use cases where type flexibility is not needed.