What is the difference between raise and assert in Python?

What is the difference between raise and assert in Python?

In Python, 'raise' is used to trigger an exception, while 'assert' is used to test conditions. If the condition is false, 'assert' raises an AssertionError.

Can you give me an example of how to use both?

Sure! For 'raise', you might do: raise ValueError('Invalid value!'). For 'assert', you could use: assert x > 0, 'x must be positive'.

When should I use raise instead of assert?

Use 'raise' when you want to handle errors explicitly and control the flow of your program. Use 'assert' for debugging purposes to catch programming errors.

Are there any performance implications of using assert?

Yes, assertions can be disabled globally with the -O flag, which means they won't run in optimized mode. So, avoid using them for critical checks.