To explain two completely different technologies as simple as possible, let's start again. The first thing a programmer faces when writing code is declaring variables. You may notice that, for example, in the C ++ programming language, you must specify the type of variable. That is, if you declare a variable x, then you definitely need to add int - to store integer data, float - to store floating-point data, char - for character data, and other available types. Therefore, C ++ uses static typing, just like its predecessor C.
How does static typing work?
When a variable is declared, the compiler needs to know which functions and parameters it can use with respect to it and which not. Therefore, the programmer must immediately clearly indicate the type of variable. Please also note that during the execution of the code the type of the variable cannot be changed. But you can create your own data type and use it in the future.
Consider a small example. When initializing the variable x (int x;) we specify the identifier int - this is an abbreviation for the Integer type, which stores only integers in the range from - 2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. Thus, the compiler understands what it can do on this variable mathematical values - sum, difference, multiplication and division. But, for example, the strcat () function, which connects two values of type char, cannot be applied to x. After all, if you remove the restrictions and try to connect the two int values using the character method, then an error will occur.
Why are dynamic typing languages needed?
Despite some limitations, static typing has several advantages, and does not bring much discomfort to the writing of algorithms. However, for different purposes, more “loose rules” regarding data types may be needed.
A good example to cite is JavaScript. This programming language is usually used for embedding in the framework in order to obtain functional access to objects. Because of this feature, it has gained great popularity in web-technologies, where dynamic typing feels perfect. At times, writing small scripts and macros is simplified. And there is also an advantage in reusing variables. But this opportunity is rarely used, due to possible confusion and errors.
What type of typing is better?
The debate that dynamic typing is better than strict typing has not stopped to this day. Usually they arise in highly specialized programmers. Of course, web developers every day use all the advantages of dynamic typing to create high-quality code and the final software product. At the same time, system programmers who develop sophisticated algorithms in low-level programming languages usually do not need such capabilities, so they need static typing. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules. For example, dynamic typing in Python is fully implemented.
Therefore, to determine the leadership of a particular technology, it is necessary based on input parameters only. Dynamic typing is better for developing lightweight and flexible frameworks, while strong typing is best for creating a massive and complex architecture.
Division into “strong” and “weak” typing
Among both Russian-language and English-language programming materials, one can find the expression “strong” typing. This is not a separate concept, or rather, such a concept does not exist in a professional vocabulary at all. Although many try to interpret it differently. In fact, a “strong” typing should be understood as one that is convenient for you and with which it is most comfortable to work with. And “weak” is an inconvenient and ineffective system for you.
Speaker feature
Surely you noticed that at the stage of writing the code, the compiler analyzes the written constructions and will give an error if the data types do not match. But not JavaScript. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that in any case, he will perform the operation. Here is an easy example - we want to add a symbol and a number, which does not make sense: “x” + 1.
In static languages, depending on the language itself, this operation can have different consequences. But in most cases, it will not even be allowed before compilation, since the compiler will give an error immediately after writing such a construction. He simply considers it incorrect and will be completely right.
In dynamic languages, this operation can be performed, but in most cases an error will follow already at the stage of code execution, since the compiler does not analyze data types in real time and cannot decide on errors in this area. JavaScript is unique in that it performs this operation and receives a set of unreadable characters. Unlike other languages that simply shut down the program.
Are adjacent architectures possible?
At the moment, there is no related technology that can simultaneously support static and dynamic typing in programming languages. And we can confidently say that it will not appear. Since architectures differ from each other in fundamental terms and cannot be used simultaneously.
But, nevertheless, in some languages you can change the typing with the help of additional frameworks.
- In the Delphi programming language, the Variant subsystem.
- In the AliceML programming language, additional packages.
- In the Haskell programming language, the Data.Dynamic library.
When is strong typing really better than dynamic?
Unambiguously affirm the advantage of strict typing over dynamic is possible only if you are a novice programmer. This converges absolutely all IT-specialists. When teaching fundamental and basic programming skills, it is better to use strong typing in order to acquire some discipline when working with variables. Then, if necessary, you can switch to dynamics, but work skills acquired with strict typing will play an important role. You will learn to carefully check variables and consider their types when designing and writing code.
Benefits of Dynamic Typing
- Minimizes the number of characters and lines of code due to the unnecessary preliminary declaration of variables and the indication of their type. The type will be determined automatically after assigning the value.
- In small blocks of code, the visual and logical perception of constructions is simplified, due to the absence of "extra" lines of declaration.
- Dynamics positively affects the speed of the compiler, as it does not take into account types, and does not check for compliance.
- Increases flexibility and allows the creation of universal designs. For example, when creating a method that should interact with a data array, you do not need to create separate functions for working with numeric, textual and other types of arrays. It is enough to write one method, and it will work with any types.
- It simplifies the output of data from database management systems; therefore, dynamic typing is actively used in the development of web applications.
- If a typo or a gross error was made when using or declaring variables, the compiler will not display it. And problems will arise during the execution of the program.
- When using static typing, all declarations of variables and functions are usually taken out into a separate file, which allows you to easily create documentation later on or even use the file itself as documentation. Accordingly, dynamic typing does not allow the use of such a feature.
Learn more about static typed programming languages.
- C ++ is the most common general-purpose programming language. Today it has several large editions and a large army of users. It became popular due to its flexibility, the possibility of unlimited expansion and the support of various programming paradigms.
- Java is a programming language that uses an object-oriented approach. Gained distribution thanks to multi-platform. During compilation, the code is interpreted in byte code, which can be executed on any operating system. Java and dynamic typing are incompatible because the language is strongly typed.
- Haskell is also one of the popular languages whose code can integrate into other languages and interact with them. But, despite such flexibility, it has a strict typing. Equipped with a large built-in set of types and the ability to create your own.
Read more about dynamic typing programming languages
- Python is a programming language that was created primarily to facilitate the work of a programmer. It has a number of functional improvements, due to which it increases the readability of the code and its writing. In many ways, this was achieved thanks to dynamic typing.
- PHP is a scripting language. It is widely used in web development, providing interaction with databases for creating interactive dynamic web pages. Thanks to dynamic typing, work with databases is greatly facilitated.
- JavaScript is the programming language mentioned above, which has found application in web technologies for creating client-side web scripts. Dynamic typing is used to make writing code easier, as it is usually broken into small blocks.
Dynamic view of typing - disadvantages
- If a typo or a gross error was made when using or declaring variables, the compiler will not display it. And problems will arise during the execution of the program.
- When using static typing, all declarations of variables and functions are usually taken out in a separate file, which allows you to easily create documentation in the future or even use the file itself as documentation. Accordingly, dynamic typing does not allow the use of such a feature.
Summarize
Static and dynamic typing are used for completely different purposes. In some cases, developers pursue functional advantages, and in some - purely personal motives. In any case, in order to determine the type of typing for yourself, you must carefully study them in practice. In the future, when creating a new project and choosing typing for it, this will play a big role and give an understanding of the effective choice.