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Python Object-Oriented Python Advanced Objects Constructicons

Kohei Ashida
Kohei Ashida
4,882 Points

In what kind of situations can class method be more useful than instance method?

I've read over the related questions but still am unclear about the advantages of class method than instance method though I understand that class method doesn't require to generate an instance to call the method like Bookcase.create_bookcase()

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,268 Points

One common use for a class method is when the method itself creates a new instance. That way, you can call it before having an instance, but get an instance back. This is used in some of the course lesson examples and challenges.

Kohei Ashida
Kohei Ashida
4,882 Points

Thank you, Steven! Now I feel I have to get common uses through further lessons and challenges.

I thought class methods didn't create new instances? Now I'm puzzled.

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,268 Points

They certainly can, if you write code for it (it's not automatic).

Thank you!