What is __init__???

Question

What is __init__ and how to use it.(and example please)

Answer 1

The __init__ method is similar to constructors in C++ and Java. Constructors are used to initialize the object’s state.

class Person:
def __init__(self, name):
self.name = name

p = Person('Nick')

Answer 2

This is from the Python Oop tutorial:

The __init__ method is the most important method in a class.
This is called when an instance (object) of the class is created, using the class name as a function.

All methods must have self as their first parameter, although it isn't explicitly passed, Python adds the self argument to the list for you; you do not need to include it when you call the methods. Within a method definition, self refers to the instance calling the method.

Instances of a class have attributes, which are pieces of data associated with them.
In this example, Cat instances have attributes color and legs. These can be accessed by putting a dot, and the attribute name after an instance.
In an __init__ method, self.attribute can therefore be used to set the initial value of an instance's attributes.