Super() function for calling superclass methods

Hey there, young Python enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a super cool topic in Python programming called the super() function. Don’t worry if it sounds a bit tricky at first. By the end of this course, you’ll be a super super() expert!

What is the Super() Function? Imagine you have a superhero, let’s call him “Superman.” Now, Superman is super strong, super fast, and super smart, right? But what if Superman also had a mentor who taught him everything he knows? That mentor is like a superclass, and Superman is like a subclass. The super() function helps our subclass (Superman) call upon the powers and wisdom of its superclass (mentor).

Syntax of the Super() Function: In Python, using the super() function is as easy as pie! Here’s how it looks:

class Subclass(Superclass):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        # more code here

Here, Subclass is our superhero (subclass), and Superclass is the mentor (superclass). By using super().__init__(), our subclass can call the __init__() method of its superclass.

Let’s break down the syntax:

super() – This is the function that creates a connection between the subclass and its superclass.
__init__() – This is the method we want to call from the superclass. It’s like asking the mentor for guidance when our superhero is created.

Python Code Examples:

Simple Inheritance Example:

class Animal:
    def make_sound(self):
        print("Some generic sound")

class Dog(Animal):
    def make_sound(self):
        super().make_sound()
        print("Woof!")

# Creating an instance of Dog
dog = Dog()
dog.make_sound()

Using Super() with Multiple Inheritance:

class A:
    def say_hello(self):
        print("Hello from class A")

class B(A):
    def say_hello(self):
        print("Hello from class B")

class C(A):
    def say_hello(self):
        print("Hello from class C")

class D(B, C):
    def say_hello(self):
        super().say_hello()

# Creating an instance of D
d = D()
d.say_hello()

Practice Questions:

Create a class called Person with a method greet() that prints “Hello, I am a person!”. Then create a subclass Student that overrides the greet() method to print “Hello, I am a student!” using the super() function.
Define a class Shape with a method area() that returns 0. Create a subclass called Square that overrides the area() method to return the area of a square with a side length of 5 using the super() function.

Solutions:

class Person:
    def greet(self):
        print("Hello, I am a person!")

class Student(Person):
    def greet(self):
        super().greet()
        print("Hello, I am a student!")

# Creating an instance of Student
student = Student()
student.greet()

class Shape:
    def area(self):
        return 0

class Square(Shape):
    def area(self):
        return super().area() + 5 * 5

# Creating an instance of Square
square = Square()
print("Area of the square:", square.area())

Now, go ahead and try these examples and practice questions to become a super() Python programmer!

Keep coding and stay super! 🚀