What is the difference between type inference and static typing?

What is the difference between type inference and static typing?

Type inference is when the compiler determines the type of a variable automatically, while static typing requires explicit type declarations.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! In a statically typed language like Java, you must declare the type: int x = 5;. In a language with type inference like TypeScript, you can write let x = 5; and the type is inferred as number.

What are the advantages of using type inference?

Type inference can lead to cleaner and more concise code, reducing boilerplate while still maintaining type safety.

Are there any downsides to type inference?

Yes, one downside is that it can sometimes lead to less readable code, as the types are not explicitly stated, making it harder to understand at a glance.