Python’s .__dict__ is a special attribute in classes and instances that acts as a namespace, mapping attribute names to their corresponding values. You can use __dict__ to inspect, modify, add, or delete attributes dynamically, which makes it a versatile tool for metaprogramming and debugging.
In this video course, you’ll learn about using .__dict__ in various contexts, including classes, instances, and functions. You’ll also explore its role in inheritance with practical examples and comparisons to other tools for manipulating attributes.
By the end of this video course, you’ll understand that:
.__dict__holds an object’s writable attributes, allowing for dynamic manipulation and introspection.- Both
vars()and.__dict__let you inspect an object’s attributes. The.__dict__attribute gives you direct access to the object’s namespace, while thevars()function returns the object’s.__dict__. - Common use cases of
.__dict__include dynamic attribute management, introspection, serialization, and debugging in Python applications.