Self in python in Easy Way

What is self in Python? – Beginner Friendly Guide

self is one of the most important concepts in Python ObjectOriented Programming (OOP). Beginners often get confused about what self really means. This tutorial explains self in a very simple, practical, and easy-to-understand way.

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Simple Definition

self refers to the current object (instance) of a class.

In simple words: self means “this object”.

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Real-Life Analogy

If a person says:

"I am learning Python"

Here "I" refers to that person.

In Python:

self = the object that is calling the method

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Basic Example

class Student: 
def greet(self):
print("Hello Student")
s = Student() s.greet() 

Internal Working

Student.greet(s) 

So internally Python converts:

• self = s

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Example with Variables

class Student: 
def
set_name(self, name): self.name = name
def show_name(self):
 print(self.name)
s1 = Student()
 s1.set_name("Chandan")
 s1.show_name()
s2 = Student() 
s2.set_name("Amit") 
 s2.show_name() 

Output

Chandan Amit 

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Each object stores its own data using self.

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Why self is Important?

• Identifies the current object
• Stores object data
• Accesses instance variables
• Accesses instance methods
• Supports object-oriented programming

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One-Line Explanation

self is the reference to the current object of the class.

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Important Points

• self is not a keyword
• It is passed automatically by Python
• Must be first parameter in instance methods
• Standard convention is to use the name self

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Common Beginner Mistakes

• Forgetting self in method parameters
• Using variables without self.
• Confusing local variables with instance variables
• Trying to access instance variables directly

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Interview Question

Q: What is self in Python?

A: self is a reference to the current object of the class and is used to access variables and methods of that object.

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Comparison with Java

Python	Java
self	this

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Easy Analogy

Each object is a person

self = “me” for that person

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Conclusion

self connects class methods to objects. It allows each object to store its own data and behave independently. Understanding self is essential to master Python OOP concepts.

Without self, object-oriented programming in Python is not possible.

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Related Topics

• Python Classes and Objects
• Constructors in Python
• Inheritance in Python
• Method Overriding
• super() keyword
• Encapsulation in Python

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Happy Learning Python!

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