Python Language Question: attributes of object() vs Function

Question

In python, it is illegal to create new attribute for an object instance like this

>>> a = object()
>>> a.hhh = 1

throws <

Answer 1

The rationale is that an instance of object() is a degenerate special case. It "is" an object but it isn't designed to be useful by itself.

Think of object as a temporary hack, bridging old-style types and classes. In Python 3.0 it will fade into obscurity because it will no longer be used as part of

class Foo( object ):
    pass

f = Foo()
f.randomAttribute = 3.1415926