What is the difference between type hints and type checking in Python?

What is the difference between type hints and type checking in Python?

Type hints are annotations that suggest the expected data types of variables, while type checking is the process of verifying that the types match during runtime or static analysis.

Can you give me an example of type hints in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

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

This function uses type hints to indicate that both parameters and the return value should be integers.

How does type checking work in Python?

In Python, type checking can be done at runtime using tools like isinstance() or at development time using static type checkers like mypy, which analyze your code for type consistency.

Are type hints mandatory in Python?

No, type hints are optional in Python. They are used for better code readability and to help with static analysis, but they do not enforce type constraints at runtime.