Method Types in Python OOP: @classmethod, @staticmethod, and Instance Methods

What's the difference between @classmethod, @staticmethod, and "plain/regular" instance methods in Python? You'll know the answer after watching this Python video tutorial:

Regular (instance) methods need a class instance and can access the instance through `self`. They can read and modify an objects state freely.

Class methods, marked with the @classmethod decorator, don't need a class instance. They can't access the instance (self) but they have access to the class itself via `cls`.

Static methods, marked with the @staticmethod decorator, don't have access to `cls` or `self`. They work like regular functions but belong to the class's namespace.

In this video tutorial I go over the differences between these different kinds of methods in Python. I also explain when to use each with a simple example so you can improve your object-oriented programming (OOP) skills in Python.

To learn how to use the full potential of Python check out "Python Tricks: The Book" at the link below.

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FREE Python Tutorials & News:

[teoguso]

Hi Dan! Italians are watching and approve your spelling! Keep up the good work!

[meiamavice]

You explained that very simply in less than 15 minutes. You are a wizard.

[IcarianVX]

Dude - these tutorials are freakin' awesome. Keep it up. I am learning all sorts of stuff. And we really appreciate them!

[nox]

Dan, a Margherita pizza has 3 ingredients besides the dough representing the Italian flag colors.
Red Tomatoes, White Buffalo Mozzarella, and Green Fresh Basil.
Great series on Pyrhon!

[BijouBakson]

I know these are a little older but having done some course with others, I find yours very organised. The choice of examples are very good, perhaps because you have taken time to write a book about it. It does show. You can I am on the play list till the last course. Thank you

[erichanko]

"This isn't about cheese, this is about Python"

Fantastic. Great tutorial, Mr. Bader!

[skewty]

I don't really agree with your static methods can't modify state claim. See below:

class Pizza:
__some_state = 0

@staticmethod
def _static_foo():
Pizza.__some_state += 1

If I am not mistaken, @staticmethod came first but was insufficient because it didn't deal with inheritance well. We got @classmethod to deal with this shortcoming. I really don't see the need for @staticmethod anymore and I believe it was only left for backwards compatibility.

[irateindividual]

Ive come to this series in 2019 and it looks absolutely FANTASTIC thanks for sharing this with the world mate!

[alexkalopsia]

This was actually a really great explanation and a good prosciutto spelling. Thank you!

[murtagh]

great examples for class methods. I never really find a use for them but might have to rethink.

[tfsoa]

Very nice explanation. There are some basic things that we skip and forget from time to time. Great video(s) Dan. Cheers!

[adreanramires]

Great work on explaining these three concepts! Keep it up! 👍

[joe_of_all_things]

One thing that id love to see answered is why use a class method over a static method? Do you really need access to cls to instantiate the class? You can return an instance of the class from a static method, so what is the real benefit of the class method??

[francismcguire]

A good use of static methods is to create a utility class, ie MyStringUtils, which would contain only static methods that provide custom methods for calculations or manipulations for a particular type of item.

[randixlai]

Hi. there. My name is Randy. I really appreciate your efforts in delivering all those high quality tutorials, I benefit from it a lot. I'd would really want other people in China to know your channel too. Unfortunately, the GFW blocks us from visiting website like Youtube, Facebook, twtiter, etc. With your permission, I would really like to share your videos and translate them into Chinese then put them on a Chinese Website. If, by any chance, you don't mind, please let me know.

[ulfgj]

love that idle. what is it? the box with autocompletion is gorgeous.

[TechMarketer]

@RealPython what do you think about it?:

class A:
x = 1

@staticmethod
def change_static():
A.x = 2

@classmethod
def change_class(cls):
cls.x = 3


>>> A.x
1
>>> A.change_static()
>>> A.x
2
>>> A.change_class()
>>> A.x
3

[Ranjithkumar-hdol]

Really superb teaching.
Learnt @classmethod and
@staticmethod

Thanks for this wonderful video.

[sundarambhardwaj]

bewitching one mate i'm looking forward to watch all the concepts from ur channel, do u also update ur videos in udemy regarding framework, appium with python actually m looking forward to buy ur course.

[BrendanMetcalfe]

Yes! Was looking for a video like this