Duck Typing
Duck typing is a concept where the type or class of an object is less important than whether it has the methods and properties you need. The name comes from the phrase: "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck."
class Duck:
def swim(self):
return "Swin!"
def walk(self):
return "Walking like a duck"
class Person:
def swim(self):
return "I can swim too!"
def walk(self):
return "Walking like a human who mimics ducks"
def make_it_swim(obj):
# Doesn't care about the type, just that it has a 'swim' method
print(obj.swim())
# Both work because both have a 'swim' method
duck = Duck()
person = Person()
make_it_swim(duck) # Output: Quack!
make_it_swim(person) # Output: I can quack too!
Advantages of Duck Typing
- Flexibility: Functions work with any object that implements required methods
- Code Reuse: Write once, use with many different types
- Polymorphism: Achieved without inheritance
- Less Boilerplate: No need for abstract base classes or interfaces
- Easier Testing: Can use mock objects easily