Python 3 Type Annotations conditional function return type

Title: Python 3 Type Annotations: Conditional Function Return Type
Introduction:
Type annotations in Python 3 provide a way to specify the expected types of variables, function arguments, and return values. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use type annotations to specify a conditional return type for functions. This feature is particularly useful when a function's return type depends on certain conditions within the function.
Example Scenario:
Let's consider a scenario where we have a function that calculates the square root of a number. Depending on the input value, the function should return either a float or an imaginary number.
In the example above, we have a function named conditional_sqrt, which takes a single argument x of type float and returns a value of type complex. However, the actual return type depends on the condition inside the function.
Explanation:
Usage:
Now, let's use our conditional_sqrt function with different inputs:
Output:
In this example, result_1 is a complex number because the input (4.0) is non-negative, and result_2 is a float because the input (-4.0) is negative.
Conclusion:
Python 3 type annotations provide a powerful way to communicate the expected types of variables and function return values. By using conditional return types, we can express more accurately the behavior of functions whose output depends on specific conditions. This can enhance code clarity and help catch potential type-related errors during development.
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