Python Language Metaclasses

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Introduction

Metaclasses allow you to deeply modify the behaviour of Python classes (in terms of how they're defined, instantiated, accessed, and more) by replacing the type metaclass that new classes use by default.

Remarks

When designing your architecture, consider that many things which can be accomplished with metaclasses can also be accomplished using more simple semantics:

  • Traditional inheritance is often more than enough.
  • Class decorators can mix-in functionality into a classes on a ad-hoc approach.
  • Python 3.6 introduces __init_subclass__() which allows a class to partake in the creation of its subclass.


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