What is the Purpose of `__init__` and `self` in Python Classes?

What Do init and self Do in Python?

In object-oriented programming (OOP) languages like Python, the __init__ method serves as the constructor for a class. It is responsible for initializing an instance of the class upon its creation. The self parameter, on the other hand, acts as a reference to the current object being instantiated.

The Role of self

The self parameter is an instance of the class being created. It allows the method to access and manipulate the instance's attributes and properties. For example, in the following code:

class MyClass:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self.name = name

When creating an instance of this class, name will be assigned to the self.name property of the object, which can then be accessed later using dot notation, such as instance.name.

The init Method

The __init__ method is called automatically when an instance of a class is created. Its purpose is to initialize the object's attributes and perform any necessary setup. This method is mandatory for any class that requires initialization, as it allows for the customization of object attributes and behavior.

For instance, in the following code:

class Pet:
    def __init__(self, type, age):
        self.type = type  # Store the pet's type
        self.age = age    # Store the pet's age

When creating a Pet object, the __init__ method will assign the provided type and age values to the corresponding attributes of the object, allowing for the retrieval and manipulation of pet-specific information later on.

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