super()
- Python course
- Intermediate
- Lesson 8/116
- 5 min
Learn to call the parent with super().
The super() function
super() is a function that gives access to parent class methods. It is mostly used inside __init__ to call the parent's constructor.
Example: class Dog(Animal):\n def __init__(self, name):\n super().__init__(name). Here super().__init__(name) calls the parent's __init__ method and passes name. This way the parent's setup is not rewritten; it is only called.
The super().__init__ pattern
When a child class defines an __init__ method, the parent's __init__ is not called automatically. To set up parent attributes too, you call super().__init__(...) explicitly.
Example: class Dog(Animal):\n def __init__(self, name, breed):\n super().__init__(name)\n self.breed = breed. Here name is for the parent, breed is specific to the child. This pattern sets up both parent and child attributes from one place.
Practice Call super in Dog __init__
First define the Animal class; add def __init__(self, species): and in the body write self.species = species. Then define class Dog(Animal):; add def __init__(self, name):, and in the body write super().__init__("dog") and self.name = name. Then create an instance with d = Dog("Rex") and write print(d.name).
Starter code
# Define the Animal and Dog classesSample solution
# Define the Animal and Dog classes
class Animal:
def __init__(self, species):
self.species = species
class Dog(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
super().__init__("dog")
self.name = name
d = Dog("Rex")
print(d.name)Expected output
Rex
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 Complete the super call
class Dog(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
____().__init__(name)class Dog(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
super().__init__(name)Explanation: super() gives access to parent methods.
2 What does super() return?
- The child class instance
- A new class definition
- The class name as a string
- A temporary proxy of the parent class Correct answer
Explanation: super() returns a temporary proxy that gives access to parent methods.
3 Match the super concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
super() |
Parent access |
.__init__(name) |
Parent constructor |
self.breed = breed |
Child attribute |