python_notes/examples/methodtypes.py

#!/usr/bin/env python3
""" Demonstrates the difference between an instance method, 
    a class method, and a static method.
"""

class MyClass:
    # Instance method. Have to instantiate an instance
    # first! And it can change all the stuff that is
    # unique to that instance. (It can also change
    # the class itself, if it wants to, by accessing
    # self.__class__
    def method(self):
        return 'instance method called', self

    # The class method doesn't need an object to be 
    # instantiated. It just is.
    @classmethod
    def classmethod(cls):
        return 'class method called', cls

    # Static methods don't even get access to the class
    @staticmethod
    def staticmethod():
        return 'static method called'