Python decorators are a powerful tool that allows you to modify the behavior of functions or methods. They are often used for logging, access control, and caching. Decorators are applied using the '@decorator_name' syntax.

Decorators in Python are a unique and powerful feature that allows programmers to modify or enhance the behavior of functions or methods without altering their actual code. Essentially, a decorator is a function that takes another function as an argument, adds some functionality, and returns a new function. This is particularly useful for adhering to the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle, as decorators can encapsulate common functionality that can be reused across multiple functions. For example, decorators can be used for logging, where a function's execution details are logged before or after its execution. They can also be used for access control, ensuring that only authorized users can execute certain functions, or for performance optimization, such as caching the results of expensive function calls to avoid redundant computations. To use a decorator, you typically define it using the @decorator_name syntax above the function definition. When the function is called, the decorator is applied, modifying the function's behavior as specified. Python also provides built-in decorators, such as @staticmethod, @classmethod, and @property, which are commonly used in object-oriented programming to define methods with specific behaviors. Understanding and utilizing decorators can significantly enhance the flexibility and maintainability of Python code, making them a valuable tool in any Python developer's arsenal.