Questions and Answers
True or false: class attributes are shared by all instances of that class.
True
Python first looks for an attribute in an __'s dictionary, and if it's not found there, it looks in the __'s dictionary.
instance, class
True or false: if an instance attribute and a class attribute have the same name, then if that attribute is identified via an instance (e.g. instance.attr), then the class attribute will be selected.
False
Study Notes
Class and Instance Attributes in Python
- Class attributes are shared across all instances of the class, allowing for consistent data representation.
- When accessing an attribute, Python first searches the instance's attribute dictionary, prioritizing instance-specific attributes over class attributes.
Attribute Lookup Order
- Python's lookup for an attribute starts with the instance's dictionary.
- If the attribute is not found in the instance, Python continues the search in the class's dictionary and the dictionaries of base classes.
Conflict Resolution Between Instance and Class Attributes
- If both an instance attribute and a class attribute share the same name, the instance attribute is used when accessed through an instance.
- This behavior ensures that instance-specific data can override class-level data for custom functionality.
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Description
Test your knowledge of class and instance attributes in Python with these flashcards. Learn key concepts such as shared attributes and how Python searches for them in class and instance dictionaries. Perfect for beginners looking to deepen their understanding of Python's object-oriented programming.
