How does Python handle type parameter?

This task is covered in 2 stacks on this page: Python, TypeScript. The "Type Hints for Functions" snippet in Python uses `def func(param: Type) -> ReturnType:`.

Which code does the Python example use?

The "Type Hints for Functions" snippet uses `def func(param: Type) -> ReturnType:`, from the Functions section of the Python cheat sheet.

Which stacks cover "type parameter" on this page?

Python, TypeScript. Together they hold 3 copy-ready snippets for this task.

Type parameter

3 snippets across 2 stacks - Python, TypeScript

Also written as parameter types

PYPython

Type Hints for Functions

PY · Functions

Syntax

def func(param: Type) -> ReturnType:

Example

from collections.abc import Callable

def apply(
    values: list[int],
    transform: Callable[[int], int]
) -> list[int]:
    return [transform(v) for v in values]

result = apply([1, 2, 3], lambda x: x * 10)
print(result)

Output

[10, 20, 30]

Note Use collections.abc.Callable for function type hints. The format is Callable[[ArgTypes], ReturnType]. For complex signatures, consider typing.Protocol.

Type Parameter Syntax (3.12+)

PY · Modern Features

Syntax

def func[T](arg: T) -> T: ...
class Name[T]: ...

Example

# New syntax (3.12+) - no more TypeVar boilerplate
def first_element[T](items: list[T]) -> T:
    return items[0]

print(first_element([10, 20, 30]))
print(first_element(["a", "b"]))

# Generic class
class Pair[A, B]:
    def __init__(self, left: A, right: B):
        self.left = left
        self.right = right

p = Pair("name", 42)
print(p.left, p.right)

Output

10
a
name 42

Note The [T] syntax on def/class replaces manual TypeVar declarations. It is scoped to the function or class, unlike module-level TypeVar which could be reused accidentally.

TSTypeScript

Generic Functions

TS · Generics

Syntax

function fn<T>(param: T): T { ... }
const fn = <T>(param: T): T => { ... };

Example

function firstElement<T>(items: T[]): T | undefined {
  return items[0];
}

const topScore = firstElement([95, 87, 72]); // number | undefined
const firstName = firstElement(["Alice", "Bob"]); // string | undefined

// Multiple type parameters
function mapEntry<K, V>(key: K, value: V): [K, V] {
  return [key, value];
}
const entry = mapEntry("age", 30); // [string, number]

Output

// TypeScript infers T from the argument - no need to specify it manually

Note Type parameters are inferred from arguments in most cases. Only specify them explicitly when inference gives the wrong type. In .tsx files, arrow generics need a trailing comma: <T,>(param: T) to avoid JSX ambiguity.

Frequently asked questions

How does Python handle type parameter?: This task is covered in 2 stacks on this page: Python, TypeScript. The "Type Hints for Functions" snippet in Python uses `def func(param: Type) -> ReturnType:`.
Which code does the Python example use?: The "Type Hints for Functions" snippet uses `def func(param: Type) -> ReturnType:`, from the Functions section of the Python cheat sheet.
Which stacks cover "type parameter" on this page?: Python, TypeScript. Together they hold 3 copy-ready snippets for this task.
Is there anything to watch out for?: Yes. For "Type Hints for Functions": Use collections.abc.Callable for function type hints. The format is Callable[[ArgTypes], ReturnType]. For complex signatures, consider typing.Protocol.