Type hints are a feature in the Python programming language that allow developers to indicate the expected data types of function arguments and return values. This helps improve code readability and can assist in catching errors early by providing clear expectations for how functions should be used. By using type hints, developers can leverage tools like mypy to perform static type checking, ensuring that the code adheres to the specified types. While type hints do not enforce type checking at runtime, they serve as valuable documentation for both the code and its users, making it easier to understand and maintain.