python: inheriting or composition

Question

Let\'s say that I have class, that uses some functionality of dict. I used to composite a dict object inside and provide some access from

Answer 1

You really have to weigh out the cost and scope of what you're trying to do. Inheriting from dict because you want dictionary-like behavior is quick and easy but prone to limitations such as causing objects created from your class to be unhashable.

So for example, if you are going to need to serialize (i.e. pickle) the objects, but also want dictionary-like behavior, then obviously you can't inherit directly from dict and you'll need to compose the parts of the functionality you desire to make that happen.