Python assert (): A Beginner Guide to Understanding and Using Keyword
In this article, we will learn how, and when to use the assert() statement in python with the help of examples. Later in the article we will also discuss the benefits and some best practices of using assert() function in python.
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What is the assert() statement in Python?
The assert keyword is a built-in function that tests whether a condition is true or false. If the condition is true, the program continues to run as normal. If the condition is false, the assert statement will raise an AssertionError, and the program will stop running. In other words, the assert keyword is a way to ensure that certain conditions are met in your code and to raise an error if those conditions are not met.
Syntax of the assert keyword
# Syntax of Python Assert Keyword
assert condition, error_message(optional)
Parameter
condition: Boolean Condition – True or False
error_message: It is an Optional that we want in case of AssertionError
Flowchart of Python assert Statement
assert() statement should return either True or False. If the expression is True, the program continues as normal. If the expression is False, an AssertionError is raised, and the program stops running.
Now, let’s take an example to get a better understanding.
Example-1: Define a function that divides the two values but returns an error message (‘cannot divide by zero) if the denominator is zero.
def divide(a, b): assert b != 0, "Cannot divide by zero" return a / b
Now, we will check the return value of the above function.
Case-1: Both (a, b) are non-zero
divide (2, 4)
Output
Case-2: a is non-zero, and b is zero
divide (2, 0)
Output
Must Read: Python Input Function
Example-2: Define a function to calculate the average of a list of a number and using the assert check whether the list is not empty, and if empty return an error.
# Define a function to calculate the average of a list of numbersdef calculate_average(numbers): # Check that the input is not an empty list assert len(numbers) > 0, "Error: List is empty" # Calculate the sum of the numbers total = sum(numbers) # Calculate the average and return it average = total / len(numbers) return average
Above, we have defined a function to calculate the average of numbers in the list (here, we will take list as an input). Now, we will define assert keyword that will check whether the input list is empty or not. If the list is empty, it will raise an error: Error: List is Empty.
Now, let’s given input to the above defined function.
Case-1: List is not empty
# Calculate the aerage of a list of numbersnumbers = [2, 4, 6, 8, 10]average = calculate_average(numbers)print(f"The average of {numbers} is {average}.")
Output
Case-2: List is empty
# Try to calculate the average of an empty listempty_list = []average = calculate_average(empty_list)
Output
Also Read: All About Python Lists Method
Also Read: Python List Program for Beginner
Example -3: Define a function to calculate the factorial of a number, and using assert check whether the input number is positive or not and if the input number is not positive, return an error message.
# Define a function to calculate the factorial of a positive integerdef factorial(n): assert n >= 0, "Error: n must be a non-negative integer" # Base case: factorial of 0 is 1 if n == 0: return 1 # Recursive case: multiply n by the factorial of n-1 return n * factorial(n-1)
In the above program, we have defined a function to find the factorial of a positive integer, and we have used assert keyword to check whether the input number is a non-negative integer or not, if the input is non-negative it will return an error message: “Error: n must be a non-negative integer”.
Now, let’s given input to the above defined function.
Case-1: Input integer is a positive integer
# Calculate the factorial of 5n = 5result = factorial(n)print(f"The factorial of {n} is {result}.")
Case-2: Input is not a positive integer
# Try to calculate the factorial of -1n = -1result = factorial(n)
Output
Must Read: How to Calculate the Factorial of a Number in Python
When to use assert () statement in Python?
Assert statements are helpful when you want to test specific assumptions about your code. For example, verify that a function is receiving the correct input or that a list is not empty before performing some operation.
Here are some scenarios where you might use assert statements:
- Checking the preconditions of a function before executing it.
- Verifying the correctness of values returned by a function.
- Ensuring that a specific condition is met before executing the code.
- Checking for errors in your code during development and testing.
Benefits of using assert () statement in Python
assert statement in Python is a debugging aid that tests a condition and triggers an error if the condition is not met. Here are some benefits of using assert statement:
- Improving Code Reliability: assert () statement in Python helps to ensure that your code is working correctly by checking that your assumptions about your code are correct. In case assertion fails, it means there must be some error in the code.
- Simplifying Debugging: assert () statement helps to identify the location of an error in your code. When an assertion fails, Python raises an AssertionError exception with a message that indicates the source of the problem.
- Encouraging Good Programming Practices: assert statements encourage you to write testable and maintainable code. By checking assumptions in your code, you can catch errors early and prevent them from causing more significant problems later.
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Also Read: String Formatting in Python
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Best practices for using Python assert ()
Here are some best practices for using the assert() keyword in your Python code:
- Use assert() to test for conditions that should always be true. If the condition can be false under certain circumstances, use if-else statements instead.
- Keep your error messages informative and concise. They should help you identify the source of the error quickly.
- Avoid using assert() in production code. It is intended as a debugging aid and can be turned off with the -O (optimize) flag.
- Use assert() to catch errors early on in the development process. It can save you time and effort in the long run.
End Notes
In conclusion, the assert() keyword is a powerful tool in Python that can help developers ensure that their code is working as expected. It is a simple yet effective way to catch bugs early in development. You can write more robust and reliable Python programs by understanding how the assert() keyword works and how to use it in your code.
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Vikram has a Postgraduate degree in Applied Mathematics, with a keen interest in Data Science and Machine Learning. He has experience of 2+ years in content creation in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, and Mac... Read Full Bio
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