What's the difference between super().method() and self.method()

Question

What\'s the difference between using super().method() and self.method(), when we inherit something from a parent class and why use one instead of anoth

Answer 1

self

self, which is mostly used as the first parameter of instance methods of classes, always represents the calling object/instance of the class.

super()

super() refers to object of parent class. It is useful in case of method overriding and this is in case of numerous programming languages including C++, Java etc. In Java, super() is used to call the constructor of parent class.

Please have a look at the below little example.

class TopClass(object):
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name;
        self.age = age;

    def print_details(self):
        print("Details:-")
        print("Name: ", self.name)
        print("Age: ", self.age)
        self.method()

    def method(self):
        print("Inside method of TopClass")

class BottomClass(TopClass):
    def method(self):
        print("Inside method of BottomClass")    

    def self_caller(self):
         self.method()

    def super_caller(self):
         parent = super()
         print(parent)
         parent.method()

child = BottomClass ("Ryan Holding", 26)
child.print_details()

"""
Details:-
Name:  Ryan Holding
Age:  26
Inside method of BottomClass
"""

parent = TopClass("Rishikesh Agrawani", 26)
parent.print_details()

"""
Details:-
Name:  Rishikesh Agrawani
Age:  26
Inside method of TopClass
"""

child.self_caller()
child.super_caller()

"""
Inside method of BottomClass
, >
Inside method of TopClass
"""