Explain decorators in Python.

Summary

A decorator is a callable that takes a function or class and returns a modified or wrapped object.

Longer Answer

Decorators are executed at definition time, not each time the function is called. They are widely used for routing, authorization, caching, retries, validation, instrumentation, and test fixtures.

When wrapping functions, use functools.wraps so metadata such as name, doc, annotations, and introspection behavior are preserved. Be careful with decorators that hide arguments, swallow exceptions, or introduce global state.

Key Points

• Decorators are executed at definition time, not each time the function is called
• They are widely used for routing, authorization, caching, retries, validation, instrumentation, and test fixtures
• When wrapping functions, use functools.wraps so metadata such as name, doc, annotations, and introspection behavior are preserved
• For 'Explain decorators in Python.', a strong interview answer should define the mechanism, name the common failure mode, and explain the production decision it affects.

When wrapping functions, use functools.wraps so metadata such as name, doc, annotations, and introspection behavior are preserved. Be careful with decorators that hide arguments, swallow exceptions, or introduce global state

Comparison / Tradeoffs

When wrapping functions, use functools.wraps so metadata such as name, doc, annotations, and introspection behavior are preserved. Be careful with decorators that hide arguments, swallow exceptions, or introduce global state. |

Summary

A decorator is a callable that takes a function or class and returns a modified or wrapped object.

Longer Answer

For 'Explain decorators in Python.', a strong interview answer should define the mechanism, name the common failure mode, and explain the production decision it affects.

When wrapping functions, use functools.wraps so metadata such as name, doc, annotations, and introspection behavior are preserved. Be careful with decorators that hide arguments, swallow exceptions, or introduce global state.

Key Points

• For 'Explain decorators in Python.', a strong interview answer should define the mechanism, name the common failure mode, and explain the production decision it affects
• When wrapping functions, use functools.wraps so metadata such as name, doc, annotations, and introspection behavior are preserved
• Be careful with decorators that hide arguments, swallow exceptions, or introduce global state
• Use the answer to connect the concept back to a realistic production or interview scenario for 'Explain decorators in Python.'

Comparison / Tradeoffs