> So even with the types, you have exactly the same problem as in python, and creating a special class to wrap up percentages is something I find quite heavy.

> So even with the types, you have exactly the same problem as in python, and creating a special class to wrap up percentages is something I find quite heavy. Yep, I agree completely and was hoping to make that point. The typing makes it clear that meal is going to be a single price, and that tip won't be a String or something unexpected, but it is still unclear whether it is a percentage or a amount. I guess what I mean to say is that while static typing certainly helps, it isn't the be-all and end-all of code clarity, and descriptive names can really help code readability regardless of your typing system. Also, admittedly the example I provided is rather simple. And in any language, you should be using a proper Currency type or library when dealing with money, which would make most of my argument moot: Currency calc_total(Currency meal, Double tax, Double tip) And now specifying tax and tip as percentages isn't necessary. But not all examples are so friendly!