Is (object) Mandatory in Python Class Definitions?

[Rajeev Bagra]

❓ Q1. Is it mandatory to write class MyClass(object): in Python?

Answer:
No, it is not mandatory in modern Python (Python 3). You can simply write:

class MyClass:

It works the same way.

---

❓ Q2. Why do some examples still use (object)?

Answer:
Many tutorials and books were written for Python 2, where (object) was required. These materials are still widely used, so you may see this older style.

---

❓ Q3. What does (object) actually mean?

Answer:
It means that your class is inheriting from Python’s base class called object.

Example:

class MyClass(object):

means:

“MyClass is a child of the object class.”

In Python 3, this happens automatically.

---

❓ Q4. What happens if I don’t write (object) in Python 3?

Answer:
Nothing changes. Your class still inherits from object by default.

These are equivalent in Python 3:

class MyClass(object):

and

class MyClass:

---

❓ Q5. Was (object) important in older versions of Python?

Answer:
Yes. In Python 2, (object) was important to create “new-style” classes that supported modern features.

Without it, classes behaved differently.

---

❓ Q6. Which style should beginners use today?

Answer:
Beginners should use the modern style:

class MyClass:

It is cleaner and follows current best practices.

---

❓ Q7. Should I ever use (object) today?

Answer:
Only if you are working with very old Python 2 code. Otherwise, you don’t need it.

---

❓ Q8. What is the recommended practice in Python 3?

Answer:
Always use:

class MyClass:

Simple, modern, and professional.

---

✅ Summary

• (object) was needed in Python 2 ❌
• In Python 3, it’s automatic ✅
• You can safely skip it today
• Use clean class definitions

---

 

[Author]

Posts