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Python Basic Object-Oriented Python Welcome to OOP Adding to our Panda

Chuwen Tan
Chuwen Tan
5,787 Points

Can't I writ Panda.food instead of self.food ?

class Panda:
    species = 'Ailuropoda melanoleuca'
    food = 'bamboo'

    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.is_hungry = True
        self.name = name
        self.age = age

    def eat(self):
        self.is_hungry = False
        return f"{self.name} eats{Panda.food}"

My thought was that food is a class attribute, not an instance attribute. Can't I use Panda.food instead of self.food? I would like to know the reason. Thank you!

panda.py
class Panda:
    species = 'Ailuropoda melanoleuca'
    food = 'bamboo'

    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.is_hungry = True
        self.name = name
        self.age = age

    def eat(self):
        self.is_hungry = False
        return f"{self.name} eats{Panda.food}"

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,268 Points

In actual practice, class variables can be accessed from inside a method by the class name or by "self". The quiz testing mechanism is looking specifically for a "self" reference. This might be intended to encourage using "self" for both class and instance variables.

If you think it's just a bug in the course, you may want to report this to Support. If they agree, it will get you a "special Exterminator badge". :beetle:

Chuwen Tan
Chuwen Tan
5,787 Points

Got it. Thank you Steven!