Python self Parameter

🐍 Python self Parameter

The self parameter is a convention in Python used in object-oriented programming.
It represents the instance of the class and allows access to attributes and methods of that object.

🔍 Key Points About self

1. self refers to the current object.

2. Must be the first parameter in instance methods, including __init__().

3. Not a keyword, you can technically use other names, but self is standard.

4. Required to access instance variables and methods.

✅ Basic Example

Explanation:

• self.name and self.age are attributes of the object p.

• Without self, Python wouldn’t know which object’s variables to use.

🧠 Why self is Important

❌ This won’t work because Python doesn’t know these are instance attributes.
You must use self:

🔄 Accessing Methods via self

⚡ Calling Attributes Between Methods

🧩 self vs Class Variables

• self.ram is unique for each object.

• brand is shared among all objects.

⚠ Notes

1. self is not passed manually; Python passes it automatically.

   obj.method() # Python passes obj as self


2. Can technically use another name, e.g., this, but do not — follow convention.

✅ Summary

🧪 Practice Tasks

• Create a class Employee and use self to assign name and salary.

• Add methods to display and update the salary using self.

• Create two objects and test if their attributes are independent.