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62. Methods and Behaviors

1. Introduction​

Methods define behaviors of objects. They are functions defined inside a class.

2. Instance Methods​

The most common method type. Always include self.

class Dog:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self.name = name
    
    def bark(self):
        print(self.name, "says woof!")

dog = Dog("Buddy")
dog.bark()

3. Class Methods​

Operate on the class itself, not instances. Use @classmethod.

class Dog:
    count = 0
    def __init__(self, name):
        Dog.count += 1
    @classmethod
    def get_count(cls):
        return cls.count

print(Dog.get_count())

4. Static Methods​

Behave like regular functions but live in class namespace. Use @staticmethod.

class Math:
    @staticmethod
    def add(a, b):
        return a + b

print(Math.add(2, 3))

5. Special Methods​

Python classes can override built-ins like __str__, __len__.

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self.name = name
    def __str__(self):
        return f"Person({self.name})"

p = Person("Alice")
print(p)

6. Next Steps​

✅ You now know about instance, class, static, and special methods.
Next: Basic inheritance.