What are the differences between Python decorators and middleware?

What are the differences between Python decorators and middleware?

Python decorators are functions that modify the behavior of another function, while middleware is a layer that processes requests and responses in web applications.

Can you give me an example of a Python decorator?

Sure! A simple example is a decorator that logs the execution time of a function. Here's how it looks:

import time

def time_logger(func):
    def wrapper(*args, **kwargs):
        start_time = time.time()
        result = func(*args, **kwargs)
        end_time = time.time()
        print(f"{func.__name__} executed in {end_time - start_time} seconds")
        return result
    return wrapper

@time_logger
def my_function():
    time.sleep(1)
    print("Function executed")

What about middleware? Can you show me an example?

Certainly! In a Flask application, middleware can be used to process requests before they reach the view function. Here's an example:

from flask import Flask, request

app = Flask(__name__)

@app.before_request
def log_request():
    print(f"Request made to: {request.path}")

@app.route('/')
def home():
    return "Hello, World!"

So, decorators are for functions and middleware is for web requests?

Exactly! Decorators enhance function behavior, while middleware handles request/response processing in web frameworks.