Type function
Python’s type() function returns an object’s type when called with one argument and can create a class when called with class-construction arguments.
The Quick Python Book, Fourth Edition
The Python type function returns an object's type or creates a new type when called with class-construction arguments.
- How it is used
- Uses type to inspect objects, identify classes, and support runtime type checks.
- How deep it goes
- Explains returned type objects, instance inspection, inheritance metadata, and validation use, but does not develop class construction through type.
- Examples
- Demonstrates integers, lists, user-defined instances, inheritance, and a TypedList that enforces homogeneous elements.
- What you can do after
- Diagnose object and class relationships, then apply captured types in runtime validation.
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Python How-To
type is a Python built-in function that returns the type of an object.
- How it is used
- Uses runtime type inspection to make functions accept and process different input forms.
- How deep it goes
- Explains the return value and a worked type-based branch, while deferring superclass-friendly checks to isinstance.
- Examples
- Demonstrates integers, lists, reassigned variables, assertions, and a task-filtering function.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via Python’s built-in type function to inspect values and branch behavior for supported input types.
Get Programming: Learn to code with Python
A Python built-in function that returns the type of an object.
- How it is used
- Checks an object's data type in the Python console when its type is uncertain.
- How deep it goes
- Defines type() and demonstrates console checks, but does not explain its internal implementation.
- Examples
- Uses type(3) and type("wicked") to identify integer and string values.
- What you can do after
- Evaluate values in the console to identify their data types.
Read how Get Programming: Learn to code with Python explains type function →
Related concepts
- atomic typemeasures · An atomic type is a type whose supported accesses and operations are indivisible with respect to concurrent execution and provide defined synchronization semantics.
- __class__ attributeequivalent to · The __class__ attribute references the class object associated with a Python object.
- reflectionused by · Reflection is a programming capability for inspecting or interacting with program types, members, values, or metadata dynamically at runtime.
- isinstancecontrasts with · isinstance is a Python built-in function that tests whether an object is an instance of a specified class or tuple of classes, including subclasses.
- objectuses · A computational object is a runtime entity or structured value representing data, state, or a resource, with properties or operations defined by its programming model.
- classproduces · A class is a programming-language construct that defines a type’s structure or behavior and provides a basis for creating or representing objects.
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