What are type hints in Python and how do they relate to libraries?

What are type hints in Python?

Type hints in Python 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 type checking.

How do type hints improve code quality?

Type hints improve code quality by making it easier to understand the intended use of variables and functions, reducing bugs, and enabling better tooling support for static analysis.

Can you give me an example of using type hints with a library?

Sure! For example, when using the pandas library, you can specify type hints for a function that processes a DataFrame like this:

import pandas as pd

def process_data(df: pd.DataFrame) -> pd.DataFrame:
    # process the DataFrame
    return df

Are there any libraries that enforce type hints?

Yes, libraries like mypy can be used to enforce type hints in your Python code, helping to catch type-related errors before runtime.