super() in Python is used to call methods from parent classes, particularly useful in multiple inheritance. 1. It avoids hard-coding parent class names, improving code flexibility. 2. super() follows the method resolution order (MRO) to determine which parent method to call. 3. In multiple inheritance, using super() ensures each class’s init is called once in MRO-defined order. 4. It's best practice to use super() unless intentionally overriding or debugging. 5. While optional in simple cases, using super() keeps code maintainable and DRY.
Using super() in Python might seem a bit confusing at first, especially if you're new to object-oriented programming or multiple inheritance. But once you understand what it does and why it's useful, it becomes a powerful tool for managing inheritance cleanly.
At its core, super() is used to call a method from a parent class — usually __init__, but not always. It helps avoid hard-coding the parent class name, making your code more maintainable and flexible, especially in complex inheritance hierarchies.
What super() Actually Does
When you use super() inside a class method, like __init__, it gives you access to the parent class’s methods without explicitly naming that parent class. This is particularly helpful when you don’t know or want to tightly couple your child class to a specific parent.
For example:
class Parent:
def __init__(self):
print("Parent initialized")
class Child(Parent):
def __init__(self):
super().__init__()
print("Child initialized")Calling Child() will first run Parent.__init__ via super(), then the extra print in Child. This way, you’re ensuring that all initialization steps are respected without repeating yourself.
This also works with deeper inheritance chains. In fact, super() follows the method resolution order (MRO), which determines how classes are searched when looking for a method.
Using super() in Multiple Inheritance
Multiple inheritance can get messy fast — imagine two parent classes both defining __init__. Without super(), you’d have to manually manage which one gets called and in what order.
With super(), as long as each class uses it properly, everything lines up according to MRO.
Here’s a basic example:
class A:
def __init__(self):
print("A init")
super().__init__()
class B:
def __init__(self):
print("B init")
super().__init__()
class C(A, B):
def __init__(self):
print("C init")
super().__init__()If you create an instance of C, you’ll see output in this order:
C init A init B init
That’s because Python calculates the MRO based on the inheritance list (C(A, B)), and super() makes sure each __init__ is called once in that order.
The key takeaway here:
- Always use
super()in__init__and other overridden methods - Don’t assume which class comes next — trust the MRO
- Avoid calling parent methods directly by name unless absolutely necessary
When Not to Use super()
While super() is great for most cases, there are times when you might want to skip it:
- If you intentionally want to override a method without running the parent version
- If you need to call a specific parent method regardless of MRO (like when debugging or patching)
- In simple single-inheritance cases where using
super()adds no real benefit
In these cases, you could just do something like:
Parent.__init__(self)
But again, this is less flexible and harder to maintain in larger systems.
Final Notes
You don't have to use super() every time you write a subclass, but it’s definitely worth understanding. It keeps your code DRY, supports multiple inheritance more gracefully, and avoids brittle dependencies between classes.
If you're working with frameworks or libraries that expect certain initialization patterns (like Django or Flask extensions), they often rely on super() being used correctly.
So while it might feel optional in small scripts, it’s a solid habit to adopt early.
Basically, that's what you need to know about super() — not magic, just smart design.
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