What are immutable types and how do they differ across programming languages?

What are immutable types and how do they differ across programming languages?

Immutable types are data types that cannot be modified after they are created. In languages like Python, strings and tuples are immutable, while in Java, the String class is immutable. In contrast, languages like JavaScript have mutable objects but also provide immutable data structures through libraries like Immutable.js.

Can you give examples of immutable types in Java and JavaScript?

In Java, the String and Integer classes are immutable. In JavaScript, while objects are mutable, you can use libraries like Immutable.js to create immutable data structures, such as List and Map.

Why would I want to use immutable types?

Using immutable types can lead to safer code, as they prevent unintended side effects from modifying data. They also make it easier to reason about your code and can improve performance in certain scenarios, especially in functional programming.

Are there any downsides to using immutable types?

Yes, the main downside is that they can lead to increased memory usage and performance overhead due to the need to create new instances instead of modifying existing ones. This can be a concern in performance-critical applications.