What is the difference between type annotation and dynamic typing?

What is the difference between type annotation and dynamic typing?

Type annotation is a way to explicitly declare the data type of a variable, while dynamic typing allows variables to change types at runtime.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! In Python, you can use type annotations like this: def add(a: int, b: int) -> int:. In contrast, JavaScript uses dynamic typing, so you can do let x = 5; x = 'Hello'; without any errors.

What are the advantages of using type annotations?

Type annotations can improve code readability, help catch errors early, and provide better support for IDE features like autocompletion.

Are there any downsides to using type annotations?

Yes, type annotations can add verbosity to the code and may require additional effort to maintain, especially in large codebases.