Interview Q&A / Python

1. What is a decorator in Python and how do you write one?

   A decorator is a function that takes another function, wraps it with extra behaviour, and returns the wrapped version. Writing @my_decorator above a function is shorthand for func = my_decorator(func). They are used for logging, timing, caching and access checks without changing the original function's code.

   IntermediateIn-depth3 min read
2. What does the @property decorator do in Python?

   @property turns a method into a read-only attribute, so obj.area calls the method without parentheses. Adding @name.setter lets you validate or compute on assignment while callers still use plain attribute syntax.

   IntermediateQuick answer1 min read
3. What is the difference between @classmethod, @staticmethod and an instance method?

   An instance method receives self, the object. A classmethod receives cls, the class, and is commonly used for alternative constructors. A staticmethod receives neither and is just a function living in the class namespace.

   IntermediateQuick answer1 min read