Type introspection

In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a>, type introspection is the ability of a program to examine the <a href="/facts/Data_type/fcx5hgVL">type</a> or properties of an <a href="/facts/Object_(computer_science)/eX99dtAw">object</a>
at <a href="/facts/Run_time_(program_lifecycle_phase)/lCxKsrzB">runtime</a>.
Some <a href="/facts/Programming_language/cWTYbgWa">programming languages</a> possess this capability.
Introspection should not be confused with <a href="/facts/Reflection_(computer_programming)/Nj8stFfp">reflection</a>, which goes a step further and is the ability for a program to manipulate the metadata, properties, and functions of an object at runtime. Some programming languages also possess that capability (e.g.,
<a href="/facts/Java_(programming_language)/9ScgFyAL">Java</a>,
<a href="/facts/Python_(programming_language)/YbuGqofa">Python</a>,
<a href="/facts/Julia_(programming_language)/AoB0PJ9C">Julia</a>,
and
<a href="/facts/Go_(programming_language)/oWlsmAFJ">Go</a>).

Type introspection open-in-new

Type introspection