What are Python decorators and how do I use them?

What are Python decorators and how do I use them?

Python decorators are a way to modify or enhance functions or methods without changing their code. They are often used for logging, access control, and caching.

Can you give me an example of a simple decorator?

Sure! Here's a simple decorator that prints 'Hello' before calling the function:

def hello_decorator(func):
    def wrapper():
        print('Hello')
        func()
    return wrapper

@hello_decorator
def say_name():
    print('My name is John')

say_name()  # This will print 'Hello' followed by 'My name is John'

How can I pass arguments to a decorator?

You can create a decorator that takes arguments by adding another layer of function. Here's an example:

def repeat(num_times):
    def decorator_repeat(func):
        def wrapper(*args, **kwargs):
            for _ in range(num_times):
                func(*args, **kwargs)
        return wrapper
    return decorator_repeat

@repeat(3)
def greet(name):
    print(f'Hello {name}')

greet('Alice')  # This will print 'Hello Alice' three times.