It’s easier than you thought!

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In an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) like Python, class, method, instance, object, play a critical role. In this article, I will take you through different method types used in Python OOP.

Figure 1 explains the Instance Method, Class Methods, and Static Methods in Python. While the Instance method is the most common method Class method and Static method are decorators (note @ sign).

Figure1: Different Types of Methods in Python

Instance Method

Figure2 explains the Instance Method of Python.

Figure2: Python Instance Method

The below code is an example of the Instance Method. Here the class Car contains __init__ method and self parameter.

This class is just a blueprint. To use this class, it has to be instantiated i.e. object should be created like below.

toyotaCamry=Car('Toyota','Camry','2007')
audiQ3=Car('Audi','Q3','2015')

Two objects toyotaCamry and audiQ3 has been created by passing appropriate parameter values to class Car instance. Now, these two objects can be used.

If you want toyotaCamry details, call Instance method details through the object toyotaCamry

toyotaCamry.details()

Output:

Car Details 
Make  Toyota
Model  Camry
Year  2007

This is how the instance method works.

Class Method

A class method is a decorator. A class method does not need object and can access and manipulate the class attributes directly through the class.

Figure 3 explains the class method.

Figure 3: Python Class Method

The below code is an example of a class method. Here the instance class with __init__ method and self parameter is not required. A class method can exist in any class with or without attributes.

Below class, Car contains attributes make, model, and year. These attributes are accessible through the class method pricerange. Class method need a mandatory parameter cls.

If you just call Car.pricesrange it works. No need to create an instance and object of class Car.

Car.pricerange()

Output:

Medium Price Range

You can also assign values to class attributes. Below the make of car is assigned the value Audi and price range method is called.

Car.make='Audi'
Car.pricerange()

Output changes to Expensive Car

Expensive Car

Static Method

Like class method, a static method is also a decorator. Unlike the class methods, a static method cannot access class attributes. It can access only the values passed in its parameter.

Figure 4 explains the Static Method.

Figure 4: Python Static Method

Below is an example of a static method. The static method affordability can access only the parameter value make.

Usually, the static method is used only within the class. However, if you need, you can directly call the static method through class without creating any object.

Car.affordability('Audi')

Output:

'Luxury'

You can also call the static method through object

audiQ3=Car('Audi','Q3','2015')
audiQ3.affordability('Toyota')

Output:

'Affordoable'

That’s it. That’s all about Instance, Class, and Static Methods in Python. I hope it helped you understand the concept.

Looking forward to your questions and feedback!

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