Can Python Static Methods Be Called on Class Instances?

Static Methods in Python

Python static methods allow calling methods directly on a class instance, bypassing the need for an object. This syntax can be useful in specific situations:

Can Static Methods Be Called on Class Instances?

Yes, static methods can indeed be called directly on class instances. For example:

class MyClass:
    @staticmethod
    def the_static_method(x):
        print(x)

MyClass.the_static_method(2)  # outputs 2

How to Define Static Methods

Python uses the @staticmethod decorator to define static methods:

class MyClass(object):
    @staticmethod
    def the_static_method(x):
        print(x)

Legacy Usage of Static Methods

Older Python versions (2.2 and 2.3) used a different syntax for defining static methods:

class MyClass(object):
    def the_static_method(x):
        print(x)
    the_static_method = staticmethod(the_static_method)

Use Static Methods Sparingly

Static methods should be employed judiciously in Python as they are not commonly necessary and can introduce unnecessary complexity.

Python Documentation on Static Methods

The official Python documentation defines a static method as:

"A static method does not receive an implicit first argument. To declare a static method, use this idiom:"

class C:
    @staticmethod
    def f(arg1, arg2, ...): ...

"The @staticmethod form is a function decorator... It can be called either on the class (such as C.f()) or on an instance (such as C().f()). The instance is ignored except for its class."

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