Assertions in Python
Introduction to Assertions
Assertions are a debugging aid in Python. They are used to check whether a certain
condition in the code returns true. If the condition is false, the program will raise an
AssertionError with an optional error message.
Assertions are mainly used in testing and debugging phases to catch unexpected conditions
early in the development cycle.
Syntax of Assert
assert condition, message
- condition – a boolean expression that should be True during normal execution.
- message (optional) – the message to be displayed if the assertion fails.
Purpose of Assertions
- To ensure internal correctness of the program.
- To prevent bugs by catching errors early.
- To serve as documentation for assumptions made in the code.
How Assertion Works
- If the condition is true -> program continues.
- If the condition is false -> AssertionError is raised.
Example 1 – Positive Number Check
num = -10
assert num > 0, "Number must be positive"
print("Number is positive")
Output:
AssertionError: Number must be positive
Example 2 – List Length Check
def average(lst):
assert len(lst) > 0, "List must not be empty"
return sum(lst) / len(lst)
print(average([10, 20, 30])) # Works fine
print(average([])) # Raises AssertionError
Output:
20.0
AssertionError: List must not be empty
Use Case Scenarios
- Validate input types: assert isinstance(x, int), "Input must be an integer"
- Check list non-empty before access: assert len(my_list) > 0, "List is empty"
- Ensure value within expected range: assert 0 <= marks <= 100, "Invalid mark value"
Disabling Assertions
When Python is run in optimized mode using the -O flag, all assert statements are removed.
Command:
python -O program.py
Difference Between assert and Exception Handling
assert:
- Usage: Debugging/testing
- Behavior: Terminates with AssertionError
- Runtime Removal: Removed in optimized mode
try-except:
- Usage: Handling expected run-time errors
- Behavior: Handles exceptions gracefully
- Runtime Removal: Remains in code
Best Practices for Assertions
- Use assertions for internal self-checks, not for handling user input.
- Do not use them to replace error handling logic.
- Avoid side effects in assert conditions.
Conclusion
Assertions are a powerful tool in Python for verifying the correctness of code during
development and testing. They help catch logical errors early and improve the reliability of
software. However, they should be used carefully and not as a replacement for proper
exception handling.
