When should I use union types in Python?

When should I use union types in Python?

Union types in Python are useful when a variable can hold multiple types. They help in type hinting and improve code clarity.

Can you give me an example of using union types?

Sure! You can define a function like this: def process(value: int | str) -> None:. This means value can be either an integer or a string.

Are there any performance implications of using union types?

Generally, there are no significant performance issues. However, using union types can make type checking slightly more complex.

What about compatibility with older Python versions?

Union types using the | operator are available from Python 3.10. For older versions, you can use Union from the typing module.