Question

What is the purpose of the _ _init_ _ method? When does it execute?

Short answer

Answer: The "__init__" method, also known as the constructor, is a special method in Python's OOP used to initialize the attributes of an object with their default or initial values. It is executed immediately after a new instance of a class is created.

Step-by-step solution

Purpose of __init__ method

The "__init__" method in Python is a special method also called the constructor, which gets called automatically whenever a new instance of a class is created. It is used to initialize the attributes of an object with their default or initial values.

When the __init__ method is executed

The "__init__" method is executed immediately after an object is created. When a new object is created from a class, the constructor of that class is called automatically, initializing the object with default or specified values.

Example

Let's consider a Python class as an example to demonstrate the execution of the "__init__" method. ```python class Student: def __init__(self, name, age): self.name = name self.age = age def print_student_details(self): print("Name: ", self.name) print("Age: ", self.age) # Creating a new Student object student1 = Student("John Doe", 17) # Printing student details using the print_student_details method student1.print_student_details() ``` In this example, when the 'student1' object is created, the "__init__" method is called immediately, initializing the object's 'name' attribute with "John Doe" and the 'age' attribute with 17.

Key concepts

Python constructor

In Python, the `__init__` method is known as the constructor of a class. Its primary role is to facilitate the creation of objects from a class by initializing them with specific attributes and values. Just as a constructor in a building site sets up the initial structure, the `__init__` method lays the groundwork for what the object will be like.

The `__init__` method is automatically executed whenever you create a new instance of a class. Its name, `__init__`, is a convention in Python, indicating to the language that this piece of code is used to initialize objects. This automatic execution ensures that each object has the necessary properties from the moment it's created.

• The `__init__` method is implicitly called when a new object is instantiated from a class.
• It can accept arguments to initialize the object with particular values, adding flexibility to how objects are created.

Object initialization

Object initialization in Python occurs at the moment an instance of a class is created, and it's largely handled through the `__init__` method. After an instance is born, this method sets the initial state of the object by assigning values to the object's properties or attributes.

Think of object initialization as giving birth, where the newborn is set up with vital information and traits that define it throughout its life. This process ensures that as soon as the object comes into existence, it possesses essential attributes that define its behavior and interaction within the program.

• Object initialization guarantees that necessary attributes are set, avoiding unassigned states.
• It helps in organizing and managing default settings or initial values for the properties.

Class instantiation

Class instantiation involves the creation of an instance, or an object, of a class. This process is critical in object-oriented programming because it turns the abstract definition of a class into a tangible, usable entity.

When class instantiation happens, Python prepares the object by following a sequence of steps involving memory allocation followed by initialization through the `__init__` method. The instance behaves as an independent object, holding data and having specific methods that can be used throughout your program.

• Instantiation is initiated by calling the class as if it were a function, which triggers the `__init__` method.
• This step renders objects ready to interact with other code segments and be meaningful participants in operations or data manipulation.