What are Python type hints and how do they ensure compatibility?

What are Python type hints and how do they ensure compatibility?

Python type hints are a way to indicate the expected data types of variables, function parameters, and return values. They help with code readability and can assist tools in checking for type errors.

Can you give me an example of how to use type hints in a function?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def add_numbers(a: int, b: int) -> int:
    return a + b

In this function, a and b are expected to be integers, and the function returns an integer.

Are type hints compatible with older versions of Python?

Type hints were introduced in Python 3.5, so they are not natively supported in earlier versions. However, you can use comments for type hints in older versions.

What tools can help me check type hint compatibility?

You can use tools like mypy for static type checking, and pyright is another great option for checking type hints and compatibility.