Why Do Python Classes Inherit from `object`?

Why Python Classes Inherit from Object

In Python, classes are used to define objects with specific attributes and methods. These classes are created by defining a class statement, and it's common practice to inherit from the base class object. However, the reason for this inheritance varies depending on the Python version being used.

Python 2.x

In Python 2.x, there are two types of classes:

• Classic style: These classes do not inherit from object.
• New style: These classes inherit from object, either directly or indirectly through a built-in type.

New-style classes offer numerous benefits over classic-style classes, including:

• Support for descriptors (classmethod, staticmethod, property, __slots__)
• Access to the __new__ static method
• Method resolution order (MRO)
• Super calls

Therefore, in Python 2.x, it is strongly recommended to always inherit from object to take advantage of these features.

Python 3.x

In Python 3.x, all classes are new-style by default, so there is no difference between inheriting from object explicitly or not. However, for compatibility with Python 2.x code, it's still a good practice to inherit from object if the code is intended to be run on both Python versions.

Conclusion

In Python 2.x, explicitly inheriting from object is crucial to benefit from new-style class features. In Python 3.x, inheriting from object is unnecessary but recommended for compatibility purposes. By understanding the rationale behind this inheritance, you can make informed decisions about class design in your Python code.

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