What is the purpose of the "self" keyword in Python class methods?

Question

Aryan Kumar · Answer

The self keyword in Python class methods is used to refer to the current instance of the class. It is required in all class methods, even if you don't explicitly use it in the code.
For example, the following code defines a class called Car:
Python
class Car:
  def __init__(self, make, model, year):
    self.make = make
    self.model = model
    self.year = year
  def say_hello(self):
    print(f"Hello, my name is {self.make} {self.model} {self.year}")
The say_hello() method is a class method. It takes no arguments, but it does use the
self keyword to refer to the current instance of the class. For example, if we create a new instance of the
Car class and call the say_hello() method, the self keyword will refer to that particular instance of the class.
Python
car = Car("Honda", "Civic", 2023)
car.say_hello()
This code will print the following output:
Code snippet
Hello, my name is Honda Civic 2023
As you can see, the self keyword refers to the current instance of the class, which in this case is the
car object.
The self keyword is also used to access the attributes and methods of the class. For example, in the
say_hello() method, the self.make, self.model, and
self.year attributes are accessed using the self keyword.
The self keyword is a very important part of Python class methods. It is used to refer to the current instance of the class and to access the attributes and methods of the class.

forum

What is the purpose of the "self" keyword in Python class methods?

Utpal Vishwas

Can you answer this question?

1 Answers

Liked By