Python achieves custom behavior for functions and operators through a framework known as the Python Data Model. By default, user-defined classes lack compatibility with standard operators, requiring developers to explicitly program special routines. Calling a native command triggers these designated routines, such as using the built-in "len()" function to measure an object's size.
Key points
Developers must explicitly implement special methods to enable native function and operat…: Developers must explicitly implement special methods to enable native function and operator compatibility in custom classes.
Applying an operator to a custom Python object directly triggers its corresponding underl…: Applying an operator to a custom Python object directly triggers its corresponding underlying dunder method.
Implementing overloading allows custom objects like online orders to naturally track cart…: Implementing overloading allows custom objects like online orders to naturally track cart sizes or append new items.
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If you’ve used the +
or *
operator on a str
object in Python, you must have noticed its different behavior when compared to int
or float
objects:
>>> # Adds the two numbers
>>> 1 + 2
3
>>> # Concatenates the two strings
>>> "Real" + "Python"
'RealPython'
>>> # Gives the product
>>> 3 * 2
6
>>> # Repeats the string
>>> "Python" * 3
'PythonPythonPython'
You might have wondered how the same built-in operator or function shows different behavior for objects of different classes. This is called operator overloading or function overloading respectively. This article will help you understand this mechanism, so that you can do the same in your own Python classes and make your objects more Pythonic.
You’ll learn the following:
- The API that handles operators and built-ins in Python
- The “secret” behind
len()
and other built-ins - How to make your classes capable of using operators
- How to make your classes compatible with Python’s built-in functions
Get Your Code: Click here to download the free sample code that shows…
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