How does type conversion affect performance in programming?

How does type conversion affect performance in programming?

Type conversion can significantly impact performance, especially in languages that are statically typed. Implicit conversions can introduce overhead.

Can you give an example of implicit vs explicit type conversion?

Sure! Implicit conversion happens automatically, like converting an integer to a float in an expression. Explicit conversion requires a cast, like using (int) to convert a float to an integer.

Which is generally faster, implicit or explicit conversion?

Implicit conversion is usually faster since it doesn't require additional syntax or operations. However, it can lead to unexpected results if not handled carefully.

Are there any languages where type conversion is particularly costly?

Yes, languages like Python and Ruby can have costly type conversions due to their dynamic typing, which requires more runtime checks.