Quick Answer
The correct method to implement for equality comparison with __eq__ is __eq__ itself. In Python, the __eq__ method defines the behavior of the == operator, so when you define __eq__(self, other) inside a class like Point, Python automatically calls it to compare two objects based on your custom logic—such as checking if self.x equals other.x and self.y equals other.y. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this tests your understanding of Python’s data model and operator overloading; a common trap is confusing __eq__ with __is__ (which checks identity, not value) or forgetting to return a Boolean. The exam often presents a class with attributes and asks which dunder method makes p1 == p2 work—the answer is always __eq__. A helpful memory tip: think “equal” starts with “eq,” just like the method name, so whenever you need value-based equality, remember __eq__ is your go-to.
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A class `Point` has an `__init__` that sets `self.x` and `self.y`. They want to compare points by equality (i.e., `p1 == p2` should work correctly). Which method should they implement?
`__same__`
Why wrong: No such special method exists in Python.
`__eq__`
`__eq__` is the correct method to override for the equality operator.
`__compare__`
Why wrong: No such special method exists in Python.
`__cmp__`
Why wrong: `__cmp__` is used in Python 2 for comparisons; Python 3 uses `__eq__` and `__ne__`.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
`__eq__`
In Python, the `__eq__` method is the correct way to define equality comparison for objects. When you implement `__eq__(self, other)`, it is automatically called by the `==` operator, allowing `p1 == p2` to return a Boolean based on custom logic (e.g., comparing `self.x` and `self.y`). This is the standard Python protocol for equality testing.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
`__same__`
Why it's wrong here
No such special method exists in Python.
`__eq__`
Why this is correct
`__eq__` is the correct method to override for the equality operator.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
`__compare__`
Why it's wrong here
No such special method exists in Python.
`__cmp__`
Why it's wrong here
`__cmp__` is used in Python 2 for comparisons; Python 3 uses `__eq__` and `__ne__`.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between Python 2's `__cmp__` and Python 3's `__eq__`; the trap here is that candidates familiar with older Python may incorrectly choose `__cmp__`, not realizing it is obsolete in Python 3.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `__eq__` is part of Python's data model and is invoked by the `==` operator. If not defined, Python falls back to identity comparison (i.e., `is`), so two distinct Point objects with the same coordinates would be considered unequal. A subtle behavior: if you define `__eq__`, Python also sets `__hash__` to `None` by default, making the object unhashable unless you explicitly define a compatible `__hash__` method—this matters when using points as dictionary keys or in sets.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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FAQ
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: `__eq__` — In Python, the `__eq__` method is the correct way to define equality comparison for objects. When you implement `__eq__(self, other)`, it is automatically called by the `==` operator, allowing `p1 == p2` to return a Boolean based on custom logic (e.g., comparing `self.x` and `self.y`). This is the standard Python protocol for equality testing.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This PCAP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCAP exam.
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