Python: multiple calls to __init__() on the same instance

Question

The __init__() function gets called when object is created. Is it ok to call an object __init__() function again, after its been created?

Answer 1

It's fine to call __init__ more than once on an object, as long as __init__ is coded with the effect you want to obtain (whatever that may be). A typical case where it happens (so you'd better code __init__ appropriately!-) is when your class's __new__ method returns an instance of the class: that does cause __init__ to be called on the returned instance (for what might be the second, or twentieth, time, if you keep "recycling" instances via your __new__!-).