Python Static and Class Methods

Notes on creating static and class methods in Python using decorators.

class Boomba:

  def Roombie(self):
    """
    I am a regular method. If you try to call me unbound, I'll throw a fit.
    
    """
    s = 'Roombie'
    self.printMessage(s)

  @staticmethod
  def Bimba(): 
    """ 
    I am a static method. You can call me bound or unbound. I'm cool with it.
    Note that I have no self argument. My staticness is achieved by 
    using the with @staticmethod decorator.
 
    """ 
    s = 'Bimba'
    """
    printMessage() is called as a static method because Bimba() is a static method.
    This means there no self object to refer to when calling self.printMessage().
    """
    Boomba.printMessage(s)
    
  @classmethod
  def printMessage(cls, s):
    """
    I am class method. I may only be accessed within this class or instances thereof.
    """
    print 'Boomba %s## !' % s   

# Both bound methods behave normally.
b = Boomba()
b.Bimba()
b.Roombie()

# Fails with the following error:
# TypeError: unbound method Roombie() must be called with Boomba instance as 
# first argument (got nothing instead)
# Boomba.Roombie()

# But this static method totally works fine.
Boomba.Bimba()

# Class methods can be called as static methods...
s = 'Patoo'
Boomba.printMessage(s)

# ...or as bound methods.
s = 'Hibbity'
b.printMessage(s)


class Ipso(Boomba):
  """
  I works fine, which makes a person wonder about Python's implementation
  of class methods. I seem more protected than private.
  """
  def Odd(self):
    s = 'Faloon'
    self.printMessage(s)
    

ips = Ipso()
ips.Odd()