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Python

Posted by Hina K.
Hina K.
4,806 Points

Understanding Classes in Python

class Food:
    def __init__(self, meal, spice_level, cost, **kwargs):
        self.meal = meal
        self.spice_level = spice_level
        self.cost = cost

        for key, value in kwargs.items():
            pass

        print("Dinner: {} / Spice Level: {} / Price: ${}. / {}: {}".format(meal, spice_level, cost, key,value))

b1 = Food('Tacos','spicy',4, Cheese='Yes')
b2 = Food('Pizza','not spicy',10, Cheese='No')

Question - I wrote the above Class but I want to make sure i am understanding it correctly..

Class: Food

Instance: b1 = Tacos and b2 = Pizza

Instance variables a/k/a Attributes: meal, spice level, cost, and kwargs (Each instance has its own set of attributes.)

Method: the def function within the class.

Am I interpreting the bolded terms correctly?

Also, does "self" always refers to the first instance? For example, in my code, is the 'self' tacos and pizza?

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,261 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,261 Points

The identifier "self" always refers to the current instance, meaning the one being used or constructed. So when you use b1, "self" would refer to the object that has "Tacos" as the meal attribute. And when you are using b2, "self" would be the object that has "Pizza" as the meal attribute.

And yes, your use of the terms seems correct.   :+1:

Hina K.
Hina K.
4,806 Points

Thanks!