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Python Python Basics (2015) Python for Beginners The Python Shell

Posted by Adiv Abramson
Adiv Abramson
6,919 Points

Is there an object of which print() is a method/member of?

In Python, everything is an object. Every object has methods and attributes. Is there some underlying/implied object that functions like print() is a method/member of? Can a function/method exist independently of an object?

1 Answer

Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points

Hi Adiv,

In Python, everything is an object.

Correct!

Every object has methods and attributes.

Correct!

Is there some underlying/implied object that functions like print() is a method/member of?

Yes. print() is one of the built-in functions. If you run type(print), you'll see <class 'builtin_function_or_method'>

Can a function/method exist independently of an object?

No. When you create a function it is part of the current module. In many cases, the module is the text file containing the function. A method, is by definition, bound to an object be it a class or class instance.

Does that cover it? Post back for more details, if needed.

Adiv Abramson
Adiv Abramson
6,919 Points

Thank you for your great answer!

So the builtin_function_or_method class is instantiated every time a Python script is run? Could print() be invoked with reference to this class? For example, builtin_function_or_method.print("My string") ? Not that I would want to do that of course! LOL Thanks again.

Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points 
>>> __builtins__.print("Yes, you can!!")
Yes, you can!!