When an object needs a readable description, __str__ supplies the form intended for end users. It contrasts with __repr__, which is aimed at developers and should, in theory, produce legitimate Python syntax. section 9.7
Use the surrounding string tools to make representations useful:
- Use str(value) to convert integers and other values into strings. section 1.22 section 1.3
- Convert every item before passing a sequence to str.join, because join expects strings. section 7.2
- Define __repr__, __str__, or both; a pragmatic style often defines __repr__ and omits __str__. section 9.7
A readable Bowl representation
A Bowl can store Scoop instances in a list, preserving each scoop's flavor rather than storing only flavor strings. Printing the Bowl demonstrates object representation; __repr__ can join the extracted flavors, while __str__ is available for an explicitly user-oriented form. section 9.7
numbers = range(15)
print(','.join(str(number)
for number in numbers))
This listing shows the practical pattern of converting each number with str before joining the results. section 7.2
