When should I use decorators in Python?

When should I use decorators in Python?

Decorators in Python are used to modify the behavior of functions or methods. You should use them when you want to add functionality to existing code in a clean and reusable way.

Can you give me an example of a decorator?

Sure! Here's a simple example of a decorator that logs the execution time of a function:

import time

def timer_decorator(func):
    def wrapper(*args, **kwargs):
        start_time = time.time()
        result = func(*args, **kwargs)
        end_time = time.time()
        print(f"{func.__name__} executed in {end_time - start_time} seconds")
        return result
    return wrapper

@timer_decorator
def my_function():
    time.sleep(1)
    print("Function executed")

my_function()  # This will log the execution time.

What are some common use cases for decorators?

Common use cases for decorators include logging, access control, caching, and modifying input or output of functions.

Are there any built-in decorators in Python?

Yes, Python has several built-in decorators like @staticmethod, @classmethod, and @property that are used for class methods.