What Is A Static Method In Python?

March 08, 2023

Like Java and C++, Python also has a static method, alongside class and instance methods, to enable developers to perform take in a safer and isolated way. It works as a utility feature and helps simplify object-oriented programming. In this article, we will explore the static method in detail, compare it with the more common ones, share its advantage, and explain how one can call it.

Table of Contents

What is Python Static Method?

A static method does belong to a class but operates independently and is not bound to any class or instance. In other words, it doesn’t need a nod of approval from the class or instance to execute.

The lack of implicit arguments like cls or self enables the static method in Python to work in isolation and prevents it from abrupting the state of a class.

You can call the static method either through an object of the class or directly via the class name.

class Employee:

       @staticmethod

       def sample(x):

           print('Inside static method', x)

   # call static method

   Employee.sample(10)

   # can be called using object

   emp = Employee()

   emp.sample(10)

Python, by default, labels an undefined method as an instance. Thus, it is a must to tell Python the method is static via the staticmethod() function or the @staticmethod decorator.

Instance, Class, & Static Method – The Difference

Python methods vary from one another with respect to how they bind to a class. Class methods use the cls argument as a conduit, and instance methods ties via the self argument. In contrast, the static method in Python needs no such links as it works independently.

Moreover, dependence or independence also dictates how they behave and what they can do. For example, the instance method, the most common type, can alter the class and instance variables, while the class method can only modify the class variables. On the other hand, Python static method doesn’t have access to and cannot alter any of the two variables.

Lastly, it is also a must to remember the instance method is the original one, and the class and static methods came about in Python 2.2.

Why Use Static Method in Python?

There are four main reasons why you should build familiarity with and use static methods in Python.

Better Safety – The independence of static methods acts as a blessing in disguise as it ensures your input doesn’t alter the class state unexpectedly or by mistake.

Improved Flexibility – The method provides a quick fix to enhance code’s readability and cuts off the programmer’s over-reliance on a specific instance.

Higher Predictability – The reason Python static method doesn’t depend on any instance or a class makes it more predictable and insusceptible to an unexpected change.

Enhanced Structure – A static method enables programmers to namespace code and reduce naming conflicts, which in turn, boosts organization.

Less Memory – Compared to the instance method, Python static method takes up relatively less memory.

Ideal For Utility Functions – Their independency makes them perfect for writing utility functions like conversions.

How To Code Python Static Method?

There are two ways to define a static method within a class. You can either do it via function or a decorator. Let’s begin with the staticmethod() function:

def myStaticMethod():

       # Code that doesn't depend on class or instance

       print("Inside static method")

   class MyClass():

       myStaticMethod = staticmethod(myStaticMethod)

Additionally, we can also use the @staticmethod decorator to create a static method in Python.

   class MyClass():

       @staticmethod

       def myStaticMethod():

           # Code that doesn't depend on class or instance

           print("Inside static method")

It is better to use the @staticmethod decorator to define Python static method, as it is more direct. However, you must use the staticmethod() function to support older Python versions.

Moreover, it is also possible to call a static method in Python from another Python static method within the same class.

class Test :

    @staticmethod

    def static_method_1():

        print('static method 1')

    @staticmethod

    def static_method_2() :

        Test.static_method_1()

    @classmethod

    def class_method_1(cls) :

        cls.static_method_2()

# call class method

Test.class_method_1()

The Final Word

Now you know what Python static method is, the difference, advantages, and syntax. Remember, the method is limited, due to its independence, yet often the best option when defining utility functions, the ones independent of classes. It brings the likelihood of the method overriding or changing a specific class or instance down to zero.

Also Read: How To Run Bash Scripts Using Python?