---
title: "What is the purpose of the \"self\" keyword in Python class methods?"  
description: "What is the purpose of the \"self\" keyword in Python class methods?"  
author: "Utpal Vishwas"  
published: 2023-06-26  
updated: 2023-06-27  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/158867/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-self-keyword-in-python-class-methods  
category: "python"  
tags: ["python", "keyword research"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

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

What is the [purpose](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/247/no-fail-policy-failing-its-purpose) of the "[self](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/44535/smart-ways-to-secure-self-storage-facilities)" [keyword](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/33572/sql-inner-join-keyword) in [Python](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/75378/simple-yet-useful-tips-when-using-python) [class](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/165/generic-class-in-c-sharp) [methods](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13060/runny-nose-remedy-methods-that-work-best)?

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

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

```plaintext
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

```plaintext
car = Car("Honda", "Civic", 2023)
car.say_hello()
```

This code will print the following output:

Code snippet

```plaintext
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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