Dataclasses
Dataclasses is a Python library introduced in Python 3.7 that provides a decorator and functions to automatically add special methods like __init__, __repr__, and __eq__ to user-defined classes, reducing boilerplate code for data storage. It simplifies the creation of classes that primarily exist to store data, making them more readable and maintainable by generating common methods based on class attributes. Dataclasses support features like default values, type hints, and optional methods for ordering and immutability, integrating well with Python's typing system.
Developers should use Dataclasses when creating classes that serve as data containers, such as in configuration objects, data transfer objects (DTOs), or models in applications, as it eliminates repetitive code for initialization and representation. It is particularly useful in projects requiring clean, type-annotated data structures, like in web APIs, data processing pipelines, or testing scenarios, where readability and consistency are key. Compared to manual class definitions or alternatives like namedtuples, Dataclasses offer more flexibility with mutable attributes and inheritance support.