When Should I Use __repr__() vs. __str__() in Python?

I've been learning about Python's __repr__() and __str__() methods, and I get that they serve different purposes when converting objects to strings. __repr__() is designed to provide a detailed, developer-centric representation, while __str__() focuses on a cleaner, more user-friendly format. Honestly, sometimes I mix them up because they seem quite similar at first. I noticed the Python shell prefers __repr__() for debugging since it delivers a thorough internal view of the object. On the other hand, the print() function uses __str__() to produce a simpler, more readable output. I initially found this distinction confusing, but it made sense after some practice. For example, with a datetime object, evaluating it directly shows the full technical details, whereas printing it makes it much easier to read. It became clear to me why having a good __repr__() is important in custom classes. If I skip __str__(), having a solid __repr__() offers valuable insights during debugging. Without it, the object just seems to lack useful representation. Overall, I've realized that __repr__() and __str__() are not interchangeable; they fulfill specific roles—one for precise internal representation and the other for clean external display—which helps streamline class design in Python.