What is the difference between decorators and wrappers in Python?

What is the difference between decorators and wrappers in Python?

Decorators are a specific type of wrapper that modify the behavior of a function or method. A wrapper is a more general term.

Can you give me an example of a decorator?

Sure! A simple decorator can be a function that adds logging to another function. Here's an example:

def my_decorator(func):
    def wrapper():
        print("Something is happening before the function is called.")
        func()
        print("Something is happening after the function is called.")
    return wrapper

@my_decorator
def say_hello():
    print("Hello!")

say_hello()

How do wrappers differ from decorators in terms of functionality?

Wrappers can be used for various purposes, such as modifying input/output or adding functionality, while decorators specifically enhance or modify functions.

Are there any performance implications when using decorators?

Yes, using decorators can introduce some overhead due to the additional function calls, but the impact is usually minimal.