What Does the '@' Symbol Mean in Python?

Understanding the Role of the "at" (@) Symbol in Python

The @ symbol, commonly known as the "at" sign, serves specific purposes in Python programming. Depending on its placement, it can indicate different functionalities:

Decorator Syntax (Beginning of a Line)

When placed at the beginning of a line, the @ symbol designates a decorator function or class decorator. Decorators are used to enhance the behavior of functions or classes without modifying their original source code. Examples include:

• @property: Converts a function into a property
• @classmethod: Defines a class method
• @staticmethod: Specifies a static method

Matrix Multiplication (Middle of a Line)

If the @ symbol appears in the middle of a line, it denotes a matrix multiplication operation. Python provides an @ operator for this purpose, allowing two matrices (represented as NumPy arrays) to be multiplied using conventional matrix algebra.

Note:

The placement of the @ symbol is crucial in determining its functionality. At the beginning of a line, it signifies a decorator, while in the middle, it represents a matrix multiplication operator. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective Python programming.

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