The Python Type System. From duck typing to static typing

Learn how to use Python’s type system to protect your code against weaknesses and understand its role in modular systems.

Target audience

Students who especially benefit from this course:

Beginners and intermediates who want to know the mechanics and purpose of types and type systems in Python
Software engineers who want to use the type system as an extra development tool by adding type hints to improve their code quality
Developers who want to learn the proper terminology to make discussing code in your team and searching for information online more efficient

Introduction to type systems: Type system categories and their basic building blocks: types
Implicit vs. explicit typing: Literals, variables and attributes
Dynamic vs. static typing: Duck typing, Python protocols and the Python Datamodel, Compilers and interpreters
Type Hints: Annotations, static type checkers, kind of types, special typing constructs
Type flexibility: Safe, sound, complete. Promotion, conversion and comparison
Nominal vs. structural typing: Using composite classes and protocols to design interfaces for modular systems

Fix bugs faster by understanding error messages better
Prevent common type problems by knowing type system techniques
Make classes more efficient by using Python’s unique language features
Create clean modular design by using Protocol classes and type hints
Discuss pro’s and con’s of proposed solutions by learning proper technical terms
Make the transition from another language to Python more efficient