Python Class Methods
Class methods take cls parameter that points to the class and not the object instance when the method is called.
class myClass:
@classmethod
def myfunc (cls, arg1, arg2, ...):
....myfunc defines the function that needs to be converted into a class method
returns: @classmethod returns a class method for function.
Because the class method only has access to the cls argument, it cannot modify the object instance state. However, class methods can still modify the class state that applies to all instances of the class. So a class method automatically recognizes a class, so the only parameter that remains to be passed is the function that needs conversion.
@classmethod Decorator:
A @classmethod Decorator is a built-in function in Python. It can be applied to any method of the class. We can change the value of variables using this method too.
Differences between Class Method and Static Method:
Class method
Taking a class or, in short, form cls as an argument is a must for a class method.With the help of class methods, we can change and alter the variables of the class.
Class methods are restricted to OOPs, so we can only use them if a class exists.
We generally use class methods to create factory methods. Factory methods return a class object which is similar to a constructor for different use cases.
Static Method
There is no such restriction of any specific parameter related to class in the Static method.With a static method, we can not change or alter the class state.
The static method is not restricted to a class.
Static methods are used to create utility functions.
The Python class method is a way to define a function for the Python class. It receives the class as an implicit first argument. Using @classmethod decorator, creating as many constructors for a class that behaves like a factory constructor is possible. Hopefully, now you can apply this concept to your projects and use it to improve your code's organization and quality.