Chris Hengge wrote: > On Wed, 2006-09-13 at 18:26 -0400, Kent Johnson wrote:
>> You have to distinguish between a method (a function that is part of a >> class definition) and a standalone function (not part of any class). >> Python allows both. Standalone functions don't have a 'self' parameter; >> class methods always do (you can give it a different name but if you >> omit it you will get a runtime error when you call the method). >> >> Kent >> > So just make sure I always declare self for methods (functions in > classes)? Is this unique to python? or do some other languages already > include self, and just hide it from the programmer? All the OO languages I know have a similar concept. Python is more explicit than most. Java has a 'this' variable that is magically defined in the scope of any method. For most accesses to member variables and methods you don't even have to specify 'this' - the language figures it out for you. Ruby uses a naming convention to refer to attributes inside a method (attribute names start with @) One of the guiding principles of Python is "explicit is better than implicit" and the explicit declaration and use of 'self' is consistent with this. Kent _______________________________________________ Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor
