__name__ attribute
In Python, the __name__ attribute identifies the defining name or execution context of an object such as a module, class, or function.
The Quick Python Book, Fourth Edition
The __name__ attribute of a class contains the class's defining name.
- How it is used
- Identifies a class by name while inspecting an instance’s class and inheritance structure.
- How deep it goes
- Demonstrates attribute access and related class inspection, but does not explore attribute implementation.
- Examples
- Shows an instance of subclass `B` yielding `'B'` through its class’s `__name__` attribute.
- What you can do after
- Evaluate/understand a class name retrieved from an instance, while distinguishing it from a module’s `__name__` variable.
Read how The Quick Python Book, Fourth Edition explains __name__ attribute →
Python Workout: 50 ten-minute exercises
A Python attribute containing the name associated with a module or class.
- How it is used
- Distinguishes directly executed modules from imported modules and retrieves a class name from an object.
- How deep it goes
- Explains module execution, namespace assignment, and dynamic class-name lookup, stopping short of broader attribute internals.
- Examples
- Uses the __name__ guard and self.__class__.__name__ to demonstrate module control flow and class identification.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via a direct-execution guard or dynamic class-name lookup.
Read how Python Workout: 50 ten-minute exercises explains __name__ attribute →
Related concepts
- classused by · A class is a programming-language construct that defines a type’s structure or behavior and provides a basis for creating or representing objects.
- entry pointconfigures · An entry point is a designated starting location or interface through which a program, component, process, or interaction begins.
- functionpart of · A function is a defined operation that maps inputs to outputs and, when implemented as a callable program unit, may also produce effects.
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