Classmethod, `staticmethod`

Consider a class. We create an instance of the class. But some features of the class may not require an instance—they are more general-purpose.

This is where a static method is needed. A static method (indicated with staticmethod) means the method is called on the type name, not an instance.

Classmethod

This is a function decorator. We apply it by specifying classmethod before "def." It is a combination of an instance, and static, method. It can be called either way.

So We can call the classmethod example, with the syntax Box.example or on a Box instance "b".

Detail The class argument ("cls" here) can be used as to create a type and return it. Or we can ignore it.

class Box:
    @classmethod
    def example(cls, code):
        # This method can be used as an instance or static method.
        print("Method called:", code)

# Use classmethod as a static method.
Box.example("cat")

# Use classmethod as an instance method.
b = Box()
b.example("dog")Method called: cat
Method called: dog

Staticmethod

A static method accepts no self-instance. Most methods in a class accept a first argument with name self. With the staticmethod decorator, though, we omit this argument.

Tip Static methods can return any value. They can accept any arguments. They are called with the class name, or on an instance.

Also It makes no difference whether you call a static method with Box.Message or on an instance like b.Message.

class Box:
    @staticmethod
    def Message(a):
        print("Box Message", a)

# Call static method with type.
Box.Message(1)

# Call static method with instance.
b = Box()
b.Message(2)Box Message 1
Box Message 2

Class methods and static methods are useful in Python programs. Often a class has parts to it that are not instance-based. Requiring an instance would be cumbersome and awkward.

Classmethod, staticmethod

Classmethod

Staticmethod

Classmethod, `staticmethod`