Duck Typing in Python
Python allows the user to skip the data type of variables. It doesn't even require you to declare the return type of functions. This is in contrast to statically typed languages such as C++ & Java. This behaviour of Python is based on the Duck Test, which states that "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck." Python recognizes the variables on the basis of values they hold.
>>> a = 'hi' >>> type(a) <class 'str'> >>> a = 5 >>> type(a) <class 'int'>
See also:
- Python 101
- Object Oriented Python
- Design Patterns in Python
- 50+ Handy Standard Library Modules
- 60+ Handy Third Library Modules
- 50+ Tips & Tricks for Python Developers
- 50+ Know-How(s) Every Pythonista Must Know