SyntaxShelf

Optional

2 snippets across 2 stacks - Python, TypeScript

Also written as all optional

PYPython

typing Module Essentials

PY · Common Standard Library
Syntax
from typing import Optional, Union, TypeVar, Generic
Example
from typing import TypeVar, Generic

T = TypeVar("T")

class Stack(Generic[T]):
    def __init__(self) -> None:
        self._items: list[T] = []

    def push(self, item: T) -> None:
        self._items.append(item)

    def pop(self) -> T:
        return self._items.pop()

stack = Stack[int]()
stack.push(42)
print(stack.pop())
Output
42

Note Since 3.10, use X | Y instead of Union[X, Y]. Since 3.12, use the type parameter syntax: class Stack[T]: instead of TypeVar + Generic.

TSTypeScript

Partial<T>

TS · Utility Types
Syntax
type Result = Partial<OriginalType>;
Example
interface Settings {
  theme: "light" | "dark";
  fontSize: number;
  notifications: boolean;
}

function updateSettings(current: Settings, changes: Partial<Settings>): Settings {
  return { ...current, ...changes };
}

const updated = updateSettings(
  { theme: "light", fontSize: 14, notifications: true },
  { fontSize: 16 } // only need to pass what changed
);
Output
// Partial<Settings> makes all properties optional

Note Partial only operates one level deep. Nested objects keep their original required types. For deep partial, you need a custom recursive type or a library utility.

Frequently asked questions

How does Python handle Optional?
This task is covered in 2 stacks on this page: Python, TypeScript. The "typing Module Essentials" snippet in Python uses `from typing import Optional, Union, TypeVar, Generic`.
Which code does the Python example use?
The "typing Module Essentials" snippet uses `from typing import Optional, Union, TypeVar, Generic`, from the Common Standard Library section of the Python cheat sheet.
Which stacks cover "Optional" on this page?
Python, TypeScript. Together they hold 2 copy-ready snippets for this task.
Is there anything to watch out for?
Yes. For "typing Module Essentials": Since 3.10, use X | Y instead of Union[X, Y]. Since 3.12, use the type parameter syntax: class Stack[T]: instead of TypeVar + Generic.

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