![Understanding Python Super() with __Init__() Methods [Duplicate]](https://docuprint.cloud68.co/uploads/understanding-python-super-with-init-methods-duplicate_1200.jpg)
Why is super() used?
Is there a difference between using Base.__init__ and super().__init__?
class Base(object):
def __init__(self):
print "Base created"
class ChildA(Base):
def __init__(self):
Base.__init__(self)
class ChildB(Base):
def __init__(self):
super(ChildB, self).__init__()
ChildA()
ChildB()
7 Answers
super() lets you avoid referring to the base class explicitly, which can be nice. But the main advantage comes with multiple inheritance, where all sorts of fun stuff can happen. See the standard docs on super if you haven't already.
Note that the syntax changed in Python 3.0: you can just say super().__init__() instead of super(ChildB, self).__init__() which IMO is quite a bit nicer. The standard docs also refer to a guide to using super() which is quite explanatory.
I'm trying to understand
super()
The reason we use super is so that child classes that may be using cooperative multiple inheritance will call the correct next parent class function in the Method Resolution Order (MRO).
In Python 3, we can call it like this:
class ChildB(Base):
def __init__(self):
super().__init__()
In Python 2, we were required to call super like this with the defining class's name and self, but we'll avoid this from now on because it's redundant, slower (due to the name lookups), and more verbose (so update your Python if you haven't already!):
super(ChildB, self).__init__()
Without super, you are limited in your ability to use multiple inheritance because you hard-wire the next parent's call:
Base.__init__(self) # Avoid this.
I further explain below.
