When should I use type hints in Python?

When should I use type hints in Python?

Type hints in Python should be used when you want to improve code readability, enable better static analysis, and help with debugging.

Can you give me an example of how to use type hints?

Sure! For example, you can define a function like this:

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

Are there any downsides to using type hints?

One downside is that it can add extra verbosity to your code. Additionally, type hints are not enforced at runtime, so they can be ignored.

How do type hints affect performance?

Type hints do not affect performance since they are not checked at runtime. They are mainly for documentation and tooling.