A class variable is shared across all instances of a class, unlike instance variables which are unique to each object. 1. Class variables are useful for tracking data that applies to the entire class, such as counters, default settings, or constants. 2. They are defined inside the class but outside any methods and can be accessed via the class or its instances. 3. Modifying a class variable through the class affects all instances, but assigning a new value through an instance creates an instance variable instead, leaving the class variable unchanged. Understanding this distinction helps avoid bugs and ensures correct usage of shared data in Python classes.
A class variable is a variable that's shared by all instances of a class. Unlike instance variables, which are unique to each object created from the class, a class variable stays the same across all instances—unless explicitly changed.
Why Use Class Variables?
Class variables are useful when you want to track data that applies to the entire class, not just individual objects. For example, if you're building a program that manages bank accounts, you might use a class variable to keep track of the total number of accounts created.
Common uses include:
- Storing default settings for all instances
- Maintaining counters or registries
- Defining constants that apply to all objects
This makes class variables a good choice for situations where multiple instances need access to the same piece of information.
How to Define a Class Variable
In Python, you define a class variable by placing it directly inside the class definition, but outside of any methods:
class Dog: species = "Canis familiaris" # This is a class variable def __init__(self, name): self.name = name
Here, species
is a class variable. Every Dog
instance will have access to it, and changing it on the class level affects all instances.
It’s worth noting that if you accidentally assign a value to the variable using an instance (like fido.species = "Canis lupus"
), you'll create an instance variable instead of modifying the class variable—unless you do it through the class itself.
Accessing and Modifying Class Variables
You can access a class variable through either the class or an instance:
print(Dog.species) # Output: Canis familiaris fido = Dog("Fido") print(fido.species) # Also outputs: Canis familiaris
When you modify a class variable through the class, all instances see the change:
Dog.species = "Canis lupus" print(fido.species) # Now outputs: Canis lupus
But if you try to change it through an instance like this:
fido.species = "Something else"
...you’re actually creating a new instance variable on fido
, and it won't affect other instances.
So be careful—this behavior can sometimes lead to bugs if you're not paying attention.
That's the basic idea behind class variables in Python. They're powerful, but behave differently than instance variables, so understanding how they work helps avoid confusion later on.
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