Python Dunder Magic 🐍

Dunder methods in Python not only helps in operator overloading, but it gives the power to instantiate a class however we want (talking about new method).

In my opinion, most important “Dunder” or “Magic” methods that everyone should consider while building a class are:

✔ new
✔ repr
✔ getattr and setattr
✔ iter and next
✔ enter and exit

What are some of your most commonly used dunder methods that you consider while designing a class ?

Comments

[Jason C. McDonald]

It all depends on the class, which should always be designed around its data. Think about the qualities of that data:

• Should it be string-representable? (__str__ and __repr__).
• Should it be iterable? (__iter__ and __next__).
• Should it be comparable? (__eq__, __lt__, __le__).
• Should it be numeric? (__add__, __mul__, and similar math operators).
• Should it be hashable? (__hash__, __getattr__ and __setattr__ to make effectively immutable, also make comparable).
• Should it be a context manager? That is, does it need to be opened and/or closed, like a stream? (__enter__ and __exit__)
• Should it be picklable for use with multiprocessing? (__getdata__ and __setdata__)

The list goes on. but you get the idea.

[Siddharth Chandra]

Right, it depends on the use case, and fortunately or unfortunately (don't know 😅) but I have used these the most.
Thanks for such an insightful information. I will make sure to ask the right questions 😁✌🏻