Why is it called duck typing?

What does duck typing mean in programming?

Duck typing is a concept in programming where the type or class of an object is determined by its behavior (methods and properties) rather than its explicit type. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it can be treated as a duck.

Why is it specifically called 'duck typing'?

The term 'duck typing' comes from the saying, 'If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.' It emphasizes that the object's suitability is determined by its methods and properties rather than its actual type.

Can you give me an example of duck typing in Python?

Sure! In Python, if you have a function that expects an object to have a 'quack' method, any object that implements this method can be passed to the function, regardless of its class. Here's a simple example:

class Duck:
    def quack(self):
        return 'Quack!'

class Person:
    def quack(self):
        return 'I can quack like a duck!'

def make_it_quack(duck):
    print(duck.quack())

make_it_quack(Duck())  # Outputs: Quack!
make_it_quack(Person())  # Outputs: I can quack like a duck!

What are the advantages of using duck typing?

Duck typing allows for more flexible and reusable code. It enables polymorphism, where different types can be used interchangeably as long as they implement the required methods, leading to easier maintenance and less coupling between components.