self in Python class | What is self in a class Python?
In Python, self is a special keyword that refers to the instance of the class. It is used as the first parameter to instance methods in a class definition. When an instance method is called on an object, self refers to that particular instance of the class. It allows the instance to access and modify its own attributes and methods.
For example, in the following class definition, the self parameter is used to define instance methods:
Example
class Person:
def __init__(self, name):
self.name = name
def say_hi(self):
print('Hello, my name is', self.name)
p = Person('John')
p.say_hi()
In the __init__ method, self refers to the instance of the Person class being created. In the say_hi() method, self refers to the specific instance of the class on which the method is being called. This allows the say_hi() method to access and print the name attribute of the specific instance.
In Python, self is a reference to the instance of a class that a method is being called on. It is the first parameter of any instance method defined in a class, and it represents the object that the method is being called on.
When a method is called on an instance of a class, Python automatically passes the instance as the first argument to the method and assigns it to the self parameter. This allows the method to access the attributes and methods of the instance.
Using self, you can access instance variables and instance methods inside the class. It is important to include self as the first parameter of all instance methods in a class, as it is used to refer to the instance of the class that the method is being called on.
Overall, self is a fundamental concept in Python's object-oriented programming paradigm, and it plays a critical role in defining and working with classes and objects.
self is a special parameter in Python that refers to the instance of the class. It is always the first parameter of instance methods in a class, and it is used to refer to the attributes and methods of the current object.
The use of self is essential in Python programming when working with classes and objects, as it allows for the proper management and manipulation of object properties and behavior.
Understanding self is important for object-oriented programming in Python, as it is a fundamental concept that is used frequently in creating and working with classes and objects.