What are function annotations in Python?

What are function annotations in Python?

Function annotations in Python are a way to attach metadata to function arguments and return values. They are not enforced by Python but can be used for documentation and type hinting.

Can you give me an example of how to use function annotations?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def greet(name: str) -> str:
    return f'Hello, {name}!'

In this example, name is annotated as a string, and the function is expected to return a string.

Are function annotations mandatory in Python?

No, function annotations are optional in Python. You can define functions without them, and they won't affect the function's behavior.

How can I access the annotations of a function?

You can access the annotations of a function using the __annotations__ attribute. For example:

print(greet.__annotations__)