What does super() do in Python classes?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Delving into the question about what super() does in Python classes, we need to assess each statement in light of how super() is defined and used.
Option 1: 'Defines a static method' — This is incorrect. A static method is created using the @staticmethod decorator and is associated with the class, not through the super() function. super() has nothing to do with defining static methods.
Option 2: 'Inherits all private members' — This is a misconception. Private members in Python are name-mangled (e.g., _ClassName__private) and are not automatically exposed or inherited in any special way by super(). Access to such members depends on their visibility rules and how the class hierarchy is designed; super() does not grant special access to private members.
Option 3: 'Deletes the instance' — This is false. Deleting an instance involves garbage collection or explicit del statements, not the super() function. super() simply provides a proxy to access methods of a superclass.
Option 4: 'Refers to the base class' — This is the accurate description. super() returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the next class in the method resolution order (MRO), i.e., the base class. It is commonly used to call a parent class’s __init__ or other methods (e.g., super().__init__(...) or super().method(...)).
Option 5: 'Returns the current object' — This is not correct. super() does not return the current instance; self is the current instance. super() returns a proxy tied to the next class in the MRO for method lookup.
Option 6: 'Creates a superclass' — This is a misunderstanding. Python does not create a superclass at runtime via super(); the super() function interacts with the existing superclass relationships defined in the class hierarchy. It does not instantiate a new superclass.

In summary, the only statement that accurately describes super() is that it 'refers to the base class' by providing a proxy to access methods of the superclass in the current method resolution order.

IS 4485-001 Fall 2025 Final Exam

What does super() do in Python classes?

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