Keyword Self VS Cls

The difference between the keywords self and cls reside only in the method type. If the created method is an instance method, then the reserved word self to be used. But if the method is a class method then the keyword cls must be used.

Example

class MethodTypes:
    name = "Ragnar"
    def instanceMethod(self):
        # Creates an instance atribute through keyword self
        self.lastname = "Lothbrock"
        print(self.name)
        print(self.lastname)
        
    @classmethod
    def classMethod(cls):
        # Access a class atribute through keyword cls
        cls.name = "Lagertha"
        print(cls.name)
        
# Creates an instance of the class
m = MethodTypes()
 
# Calls instance method
m.instanceMethod()
 
MethodTypes.classMethod()

Ragnar
Lothbrock
Lagertha

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Reference

• https://builtin.com/software-engineering-perspectives/python-cls