Type Hints
Type hints are a feature in Python that allow developers to annotate function signatures and variable declarations with expected data types, such as int, str, or custom classes. They provide optional static typing information to improve code readability, enable better tooling support like autocompletion and error checking in IDEs, and help catch type-related bugs early in development. Introduced in Python 3.5 via PEP 484, type hints are enforced by external type checkers like mypy rather than the Python interpreter itself.
Developers should learn and use type hints in Python projects to enhance code maintainability, especially in large codebases or team environments where clarity is crucial. They are particularly valuable for documenting expected types in APIs, libraries, and complex functions, reducing debugging time and improving collaboration. Use cases include building robust applications, integrating with static analysis tools, and preparing code for future Python versions that might adopt stricter typing.