Is homework really mandatory?

It really depends on what level you're at and especially what kind of results you want.

Technically, it's not mandatory in the sense that your teacher can't drag you to the cops over it. But in practice it's complicated: if you do zero homework, you'll probably end up with a bad grade, and then you're the one who pays for it. Teachers don't give it just to mess with you, even though it feels like that sometimes. It's really to reinforce what you're doing in class, and honestly if you can get through school without doing it and still keep decent grades, well maybe you're just someone who picks things up quickly. But most people need the work on the side for it to really sink in.

What I've noticed is that one thing that changes everything: instead of pushing all your homework to late at night when you're exhausted, you could do it in small chunks right after class, like 15-20 minutes max. It takes up less space in your day and it's so much more manageable than finding yourself at 8pm with a huge assignment to tackle. And honestly homework becomes less like this mandatory mountain and more just a quick routine. Your results are gonna be better too because you're working while it's still fresh in your head.

Personally I think it really depends on your situation, but I'd say it's more about consequences than pure obligation.

Like, legally your teacher can't force you, but if you never do your homework there's a good chance they'll give you a bad grade or contact your parents, so de facto it's pretty much mandatory.

The thing is homework has never really bothered me compared to other stuff, kind of like preparing your gear before a big welding day - you gotta do it if you want things to go well.