What is the difference between closures and decorators?

Can you explain the difference between closures and decorators in Python?

Sure! A closure is a function that retains access to its lexical scope, even when the function is executed outside that scope. A decorator, on the other hand, is a function that takes another function and extends its behavior without explicitly modifying it.

Can you give me an example of a closure?

Absolutely! Here's a simple example:

def outer_function(msg):
    def inner_function():
        print(msg)
    return inner_function

closure = outer_function('Hello, World!')
closure()  # This will print 'Hello, World!'

And what about a decorator?

Here's a basic example of a decorator:

def my_decorator(func):
    def wrapper():
        print('Something is happening before the function is called.')
        func()
        print('Something is happening after the function is called.')
    return wrapper

@my_decorator
def say_hello():
    print('Hello!')

say_hello()  # This will show messages before and after 'Hello!'

Thanks! So, closures are about retaining state, while decorators are about modifying behavior?

Exactly! Closures help maintain state across function calls, while decorators enhance or modify the behavior of functions.