PCAP Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
A subclass overrides a method but wants to call the parent class's version. Which keyword should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `super()` and `self`, where candidates mistakenly think `self` can access the parent's overridden method, but `self` always refers to the current instance and will call the subclass's version if overridden.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
super()
In Python, the `super()` function is used to call a method from the parent class. When a subclass overrides a method, `super().method_name()` allows the subclass to invoke the parent class's implementation, enabling cooperative multiple inheritance and proper method resolution order (MRO). This is the correct keyword for accessing the parent class's version of an overridden method.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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base
Why it's wrong here
The identifier 'base' is not a Python keyword, so writing 'base.method()' would raise a NameError. While 'base' is often used by convention to name a superclass (e.g., class Base), the language provides no built-in alias to refer to a parent type. You must either hardcode the parent class name or use super() to access inherited methods.
- ✓
super()
Why this is correct
super() is the correct mechanism because it returns a proxy object that forwards method calls to the next class in the method resolution order (MRO). This allows the subclass's overridden method to invoke the parent implementation without naming the parent class explicitly, which remains correct even under multiple inheritance. A typical usage is super().method_name(args), though in Python 3 you can also call it without arguments inside a class method.
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parent
Why it's wrong here
Unlike some other object-oriented languages (e.g., PHP's parent keyword), Python has no built-in 'parent' identifier. Using 'parent' would be interpreted as a variable name and cause a NameError unless you had accidentally defined such a variable. Python instead requires you to rely on the class's MRO via super() or to reference the parent class directly by its registered name.
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self
Why it's wrong here
The 'self' parameter always refers to the current instance, not to the parent class. Calling self.method() inside the subclass's override merely re-invokes the subclass's own method, leading to infinite recursion and eventually a RecursionError. To reach the parent implementation, you must bypass the current class using super().method(), which explicitly traverses the MRO beyond the current class.
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