How to Implement Super() Function in Python

In the coding, industry Python is often described as a supreme programming platform. Thanks to the wide array of features available and the great versatility Python brings to the table, this name is justified. But surprisingly enough, there is a function in Python that has been aptly titled super function. The following pointers will be discussed in this Super() Function in Python article.

A Small Introduction to Super() Function

When the latest version of Python, that is version 2.2 was released super function came into existence. This is an in built function by nature and when it is used, it returns the proxy of an object in order to delegate the methods into classes. The interesting aspect of this function is the fact that, the class which is formed can either be a parent or an offspring by nature.

In simple terms, you can make use of super function when you need to get access into inherited modules from that has previously been over exposed inside class object.

The official definition of super() function as per the Python website is as follows,

“[Super is used to] return a proxy object that delegates method calls to a parent or sister class of type. This is useful for accessing inherited methods that have been overridden in a class. The search order is the same as that used by getattr() except that the type itself is skipped.”

Let us move on with Programming.

Making use of Super in your Programming

Now that you know the basic definition of the super function, let us explore how you can use the same to suit your day to day programming needs. Mentioned below are some of the most significant ways to use the super function.

You can call a super() function in an environment that is dynamic in nature either to use in collaborative as well as multiple inheritance. One thing to note about this is the fact this use case is exclusive to the Python language, as other languages are always statistically compiled or only have support for single inheritance functions.
You can call the super() function via single inheritance if you want, refer to multiple classes or parent classes without having to name them first. While this method is definitely a shortcut, the clear advantage of using this is to make your code short and precise for future auditing as well as execution needs.

When the super function was first introduced in the Python environment it raised a lot of controversies, but later seeing its usage developers quickly started using it in their day to day coding needs.

If you are using Python version 3.0 and above, the method for using super function is as follows.

super().methoName(args)

If you are using an earlier build of Python, the syntax for super function will be,

super(subClass, instance).method(args)

How to Start & Call Super function in Python?

Now that you know the basics of super() function as well as its syntax, let us see how we can upon the function and start using it.

The initial line of code will be,

class MyParentClass(object):
def __init__(self):
pass

class SubClass(MyParentClass):
def __init__(self):
MyParentClass.__init__(self)

If you are using Python version 2, use the following code

class SubClass(MyParentClass):
def __init__(self):
super(SubClass, self).__init__()

However in Python three, the code will be

class MyParentClass():
def __init__(self):
pass

class SubClass(MyParentClass):
def __init__(self):
super()

Let us understand the uses of Super() Function in Python.

Uses of Super() Function in Python

Let us take a quick recap on the most prominent uses of super() function.

The super function in Python is proved to be extremely useful if you are worried in regards to forwarding compatibility. Using it in your code, basically making sure that your code can be used in the future, just by making a small number of changes. If used correctly it diminishes the requirement of declaring the characteristics of all the classes you create in your Python code.

But to make sure that your super function works correctly, you need to meet the following prerequisites at all times.

The method named super() must be present within your Python library. During execution, both the callee as well as caller functions must have the same signature as well as address. Every time you use a super() function, you need to call it by using the super() keyword.

Conclusion

Since the inception of super() function, there has emerged an ongoing debate regarding the usage of super in cases of dependency injection, although as of date there is no substantial proof to demonstrate the same.

But whatever might be the case, the super function is one of the handiest features of the Python IDLE which can be used to achieve and analyze a lot of complex problems if used correctly.

Article Summary

Learn all about super() function, its uses and how you can include it in your everyday Python programming. Read on to know more.