What are union types and how do they differ across programming languages?

What are union types and how do they differ across programming languages?

Union types allow a variable to hold values of different types. For example, in TypeScript, you can define a variable as string | number, meaning it can be either a string or a number.

Can you give me examples of union types in languages like TypeScript, Python, and Rust?

Sure! In TypeScript, you use string | number. In Python, you can use Union[str, int] from the typing module. In Rust, you define a union with enum MyEnum { Int(i32), Str(String) }.

Are there any limitations to using union types?

Yes, limitations vary by language. For instance, TypeScript's union types are checked at compile time, while Python's are more flexible but less strict, leading to potential runtime errors.

How do union types improve code safety?

Union types enhance code safety by making it clear what types a variable can hold, allowing for better type checking and reducing runtime errors.