Understanding Constructors in Python: Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Constructor?
A constructor in Python is a special method that is automatically called when a new object (an
instance) of a class is created. It allows you to set initial values for the object's properties and
run any setup code you need.
The constructor method in Python is named __init__.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Defining a Class
A class is a blueprint for creating objects.

class Dog:
pass

2. Adding a Constructor (__init__ Method)

The __init__ method is defined inside the class. It takes at least one parameter: self. All other
parameters are used to initialize the object.

class Dog:
def __init__(self, name, age):
self.name = name # Assign 'name' to the object
self.age = age # Assign 'age' to the object

3. Creating an Object (Instantiating a Class)

The __init__ method is called automatically when you create an object.

my_dog = Dog("Buddy", 3)

Here, name is set to "Buddy" and age to 3.

4. Accessing Object Properties
You can access the properties you set in the constructor:

print(my_dog.name) # Output: Buddy

print(my_dog.age) # Output: 3

When is a Constructor Useful?

Constructors are most useful when:
You want each object of a class to start with specific data.
You need to run setup or validation code automatically when each object is created.
Your object needs connections to files, databases, or network resources as soon as it is
made.
Your class requires "mandatory" parameters for each instance.
Example: Setting up a database connection

class Database:
def __init__(self, db_url):
self.connection = connect_to_database(db_url)

Every time you make a new Database object, the connection is set up right away.

Summary
Constructor: __init__ method that sets up initial object state.
Useful: When you need objects to always start with certain data or require setup steps.
Steps: Define class, add __init__, instantiate with parameters, use object properties.
Using constructors makes your code clearer, safer, and easier to maintain by ensuring objects
are always ready to use right after they’re created.

constructor how differ from normal object

creation
A constructor in Python is a special method (__init__) that is called automatically when you
create an object, and it is responsible for initializing the object’s attributes. In contrast, normal
object creation simply refers to the act of making a new instance of a class—which always
triggers the constructor—meaning you cannot create an object without the constructor running
unless you bypass standard instantiation techniques. [1] [2] [3]
Constructor (__init__ and __new__):
__new__ is responsible for creating the instance (allocating memory), and __init__
initializes attributes after creation. [4] [5] [1]
 When you write obj = ClassName(arguments), the constructor is automatically called for
initialization.
You can customize the initialization process inside __init__ (setting default values,
validating input, etc.). [2] [3]
Normal object creation:
Always invokes the constructor unless advanced techniques like bypassing with __new__
directly or metaclasses are used. [4] [1]
If the class does not have an explicit __init__ method, a default constructor is
provided, which does nothing beyond basic object creation. [2]
There is no “object creation without constructor” through regular means: Python always
runs the constructor when a class is instantiated (unless specifically prevented).
Key differences:
Aspect Constructor (__init__) Normal Object Creation

Purpose Initializes object attributes Allocates object

Triggered Automatically? Yes, at instantiation Yes, always uses constructor

Customization Possible? Yes, via parameters or logic Not customizable without constructor

Can be Skipped? Not in standard object creation Only with advanced, rare techniques [6]

Typical Usage Validating input, setting up state Just creates object

Extra detail: All normal Python object instantiation triggers the constructor, making it
impossible to create objects without initialization unless using metaprogramming or hacks.
[6]

In short, the constructor and object creation always go together in Python’s standard object-
oriented approach: the constructor defines what happens during creation, and normal object
creation always involves the constructor. [1] [4] [2]
⁂

How does a Python constructor differ from

standard object creation methods
A Python constructor is a special method (__init__) that is automatically called when an object
is created, specifically designed to initialize the object's attributes; in contrast, standard object
creation refers to the act of making an instance of a class, which always triggers the constructor
unless advanced techniques are used. [7] [8] [9]
Constructor (__init__ / __new__):
Invoked automatically during object instantiation.
Purpose: To initialize attributes, set up initial state, validate input, or perform setup
tasks.
 Syntax: Defined as def __init__(self, ...) inside the class. [9] [7]
Parameterized constructors allow passing arguments for custom initialization; non-
parameterized ones set default states.
The constructor ensures the object is ready to use immediately after creation. [7] [9]
Standard Object Creation:
Refers to allocating a new instance (e.g., obj = MyClass()).

Always triggers the constructor unless using advanced metaprogramming or bypassing

with __new__ directly. [9] [7]
If no __init__ is provided, Python supplies a default constructor that does nothing
beyond basic allocation. [9]
Attributes can also be added or changed later, but doing so without a constructor
means object state is undefined until manual assignment. [10]
Key differences:

Aspect Constructor (__init__/__new__) Standard Object Creation

Called automatically? Yes—at instantiation [7] [9] Yes—always uses a constructor [8] [9]

Main purpose Initializes attributes, sets up state [7] Allocates the object in memory [7] [9]

Customization possible? Yes, via parameters or logic [7] [9] Not customizable without constructor

Can be skipped? Only with advanced techniques [7] Not in normal usage

Typical usage Validating input, default values [9] Just creates and returns an object

Constructors in Python ensure that each object starts in a well-defined consistent state, whereas
standard object creation without custom initialization may leave objects unconfigured or require
manual attribute assignment after creation. [10] [9]
⁂

can you send example very clear code

Certainly! Here is a very clear example showing the difference between using a constructor in
Python and basic object creation.

With a Constructor (__init__)

The constructor automatically sets up the initial state of the object when you create it.

class Dog:
def __init__(self, name, age):
self.name = name # Sets the dog's name
self.age = age # Sets the dog's age

# Create a dog object - the constructor runs automatically

dog1 = Dog("Buddy", 3)
 print(dog1.name) # Output: Buddy
print(dog1.age) # Output: 3

What happens?
When you write dog1 = Dog("Buddy", 3), Python calls __init__.
The name and age properties are set automatically.

Without a Custom Constructor

If you do not define a constructor, you get a default object, and you must set attributes
manually:

class Dog:
pass # No constructor

# Create a dog object - no data is set initially

dog2 = Dog()

# Set properties manually

dog2.name = "Charlie"
dog2.age = 5

print(dog2.name) # Output: Charlie

print(dog2.age) # Output: 5

What happens?
When you write dog2 = Dog(), the object is created, but it has no name or age until you
assign them.

Why is a Constructor Useful?

It guarantees that every object has the necessary initial data.
You don't risk forgetting to give your objects their needed properties.

Summary Table:

Approach Data Initialization Risk of Missing Data

With Constructor Automatic No (always initialized)

Without Constructor Manual Yes (can forget to set)

In Practice:
Using a constructor makes your code easier to use and less error-prone!
Let me know if you want a more advanced example (like with validation, defaults, etc.)
 1. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/python/constructors-in-python/
2. https://accuweb.cloud/resource/articles/constructors-in-python
3. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/constructors-vs-methods-python-swarooprani-manoor
4. https://realpython.com/python-class-constructor/
5. https://dev.to/pila/constructors-in-python-init-vs-new-2f9j
6. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/72543914/how-to-forbid-direct-object-creation
7. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/python/constructors-in-python/
8. https://realpython.com/python-class-constructor/
9. https://www.upgrad.com/blog/python-constructor/
10. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/75949545/what-is-difference-between-make-constructor-and-as
signment-a-variable-after-crea