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Introduction
How data types are managed during both the development and execution phases of a program, whether done statically at compile-time, i.e., static typing, or dynamically at run-time, i.e., dynamic typing. The goal is to deal with errors more effectively.
This article will cover important points related to static typing vs dynamic typing.
Static Typing
Static typing involves determining and verifying memory allocation and data handling during the compile-time.
Where variables have their data types explicitly declared in the development phase, ensuring the compiler reserves the appropriate memory to store values of those types.
This memory allocation is fixed and determined during the compilation process, making it more predictable and potentially more optimized.
By catching type-related errors at compile time, static typing in programming languages offers better type safety and early error detection, reducing the likelihood of runtime errors.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() //Static typing
{
int n = 21; //Intialised n as integer type
cout<<"ninja number is :"<<n;
return 0;
}
Output:
ninja number is : 21
So here we are taking an example of a c++ code where we have initialized the type of the variable n. So we can see the correct output after the program execution.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() //Static typing
{
string n = 21; //Intialised n as integer type
cout<<"ninja number is :"<<n;
return 0;
}
Output:
compilation failed due to error
Here in this example, we can clearly see that the compiler has thrown the correct error during the compile time, saving the program to break during the run time.
Dynamic Typing
In dynamic typing, memory allocation is typically done dynamically at runtime when a variable is assigned a value.
During program execution, when a variable undergoes an operation, the language runtime checks its actual type to ensure the operation's suitability for that specific type, leading to a runtime error if the operation is incompatible.
Taking the example of the dynamically typed programming language JavaScript it treats every variable as an object and uses a reference to point out the object that is being used as in the illustration below.
Here in the above illustration, we can clearly see that the variable name var is using a reference that is a ref to point to the object in the memory having an address and a value of type string.
In the next illustration let's see how the type of the var can be dynamically changed during the runtime.
So, In this illustration, we can see that the variable var is currently referencing the object of type String but now in the memory, a new object having value 10 and a type Integer is there.
So, during the runtime what happens in the backend is that the ref pointer starts pointing to the other object in memory and thus the type of the object is changed during the runtime which we can see below:-
We have understood what Static Typing and Dynamic Typing is but still, why do we need such kinds of data typings?
The major use of static and dynamic typing in a programming language lies in how they handle data types and the implications they have on the development process and program execution. Let's explore the primary use cases for each typing system.
Use Cases of Static and Dynamic Typing
We will cover the use cases of static and dynamic typing.
Static Typing
Early Error Detection: Static typing enforces strict type checking at compile-time. This feature allows the compiler to catch type-related errors early in the development process before the code is executed.
Performance Optimization: It enables the compiler to perform extensive type analysis during the compilation phase. This allows for better optimization, leading to potentially faster execution times and more efficient use of system resources.
Code Readability and Maintainability: Makes the code easy to understand.
Dynamic Typing
Flexibility and Rapid Development: Dynamic typing enables variables to accommodate various data types at runtime, making development more efficient.
Conciseness: The absence of explicit type declarations reduces code verbosity, making dynamic languages more concise and expressive.
Agile Programming: Dynamic typing suits the Agile software development approach, where code evolves rapidly and undergoes frequent iterations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the programming languages that support static and dynamic typing?
Statically Typed programming languages are- Java, C++, C#, Swift, Kotlin, Rust, Go(Golang), Scala, Haskell, and TypeScript.
Dynamically Typed programming languages are:- Python, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Perl, Lua, Lisp, Tcl, Erlang, R.
Can we use both static and dynamic typing together?
You cannot use both static and dynamic typing together for the same variable in a single language, optional typing features in some languages allow you to combine both approaches in different parts of your codebase.
Which is better to use: static or dynamic typing?
The choice between static and dynamic typing depends on the project's needs and developer preferences. Static typing offers early error detection and enhanced performance but requires explicit type declarations. Dynamic typing provides flexibility and conciseness but may lead to runtime errors.
As a beginner to programming, which type of programming language should I start with statically typed or dynamically typed?
For individuals new to programming, commencing with a statically typed language is advisable as it fosters the development of a strong groundwork in programming principles and best practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences between static typing and dynamic typing is crucial for making informed decisions in programming. Static typing offers early error detection and improved performance due to type checking during compilation, making it suitable for large, complex projects with strict requirements.
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