Dynamic typing is a programming language feature where variables can hold values of any type and the type is determined at runtime. Dynamic typing allows for greater flexibility and faster development, but can also lead to more runtime errors if not used carefully.

How to use it in a sentence

Did you hear about that new startup using dynamic typing for everything? I give them 6 months before their codebase collapses under the weight of all the method_missing hacks.

I tried using dynamic typing on my last project, but kept getting bit by nil errors in production. Guess I should have written more tests!

If you actually want to learn more...

• Dynamic typing can make code more concise and expressive, but it's important to use it judiciously. Learn more about the trade-offs in Dynamic Typing.

• Wondering how often dynamic type checks are actually used in real-world Ruby code? Check out this analysis in Dynamic Type Check.

• Dynamic typing can make testing and mocking easier, but static typing has benefits too. This article discusses how static typing relates to testing and refactoring.

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.