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

Utpal Vishwas 568 26 Jun 2023

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

python pythonkeyword research
Updated 27 Jun 2023
Utpal Vishwas
Utpal Vishwas

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I am Utpal Vishwas from Uttar Pradesh. Have completed my B. Tech. course from MNNIT campus Prayagraj in 2022. I have good knowledge of computer networking.

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1 Answers

Aryan Kumar
Aryan Kumar 27 Jun 2023
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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.

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