I am using a built-in function name as a method identifier and sometimes as an attribute in Python is this bad

Question

Hi all, I am completely aware of the fact that I know I shouldn't be using built-in function names as the variable identifiers in my code. 

My question is simple: Are there any specific methodologies or reasons that stop us from not making use of them as the identifier or the attribute?

Here's an example for better understanding. How safe is it to write my_object.id = 5?

Or let's say defining the instance method dict in a class of my own?

All help appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi, good question. The thing is that it might end up confusing the programmer more than the interpreter.

The interpreter can figure it out but the decreased readability will add a bit of confusion to the user reading it. It is always a strong recommendation that the usage of built-in names for the use of methods and attributes should be avoided just for this purpose.

There is another negative side to this. There are many Python editors and using this obviously changes the syntax heightening property and thereby again confusing the user or even ending up with an error message.