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Python Object-Oriented Python Advanced Objects Subclassing Built-ins

Posted by Sharla Kew
Sharla Kew
15,356 Points

Why is it unsafe to use super() with immutable types?

Kenneth mentions this about the 3 minute mark in the Subclassing Built-ins video.

1 Answer

David Lin
David Lin
35,864 Points
David Lin
David Lin
35,864 Points

I think it has to do with the fact that using super() can mutate any internal state of the object, which of course is undesirable when your sub-classed object is presumed to be immutable.

Rui Xu
Rui Xu
11,245 Points
Rui Xu
Rui Xu
11,245 Points

Hi David, would you please elaborate on "using super() can mutate any internal state of the object", I still don't quite get it. Thanks in advance.