What are some practical use cases for interfaces in Python?

What are some practical use cases for interfaces in Python?

Interfaces in Python can be used for defining a contract for classes, ensuring they implement specific methods. Common use cases include creating APIs, designing plugins, and implementing design patterns like Strategy or Observer.

Can you give an example of an interface in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class Shape(ABC):
    @abstractmethod
    def area(self):
        pass

class Circle(Shape):
    def __init__(self, radius):
        self.radius = radius

    def area(self):
        return 3.14 * self.radius ** 2

How do interfaces help in code maintenance?

Interfaces promote code maintenance by allowing you to change the implementation of a class without affecting the code that uses it, as long as the interface remains the same.

What are some design patterns that utilize interfaces?

Some design patterns that utilize interfaces include the Strategy Pattern, Observer Pattern, and Factory Pattern. These patterns help in creating flexible and maintainable code.