PCAP Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are special methods in Python?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between actual special methods (like `__init__` and `__str__`) and arbitrary dunder-named attributes that are not part of Python's language specification, leading candidates to mistakenly think any name with double underscores is a special method.
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
✓
`__init__`
`__init__` is a predefined special method in Python used as a constructor to initialize an object's state when an instance of a class is created. It is automatically invoked by the Python runtime upon object instantiation, making it a core part of the object-oriented programming model in Python.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
`__bar__`
Why it's wrong here
This is not a predefined special method in Python.
- ✗
`__main__`
Why it's wrong here
`__main__` is the name of the top-level script environment, not a method.
- ✓
`__init__`
Why this is correct
This is the instance initializer method.
- ✓
`__str__`
Why this is correct
This defines the informal string representation of an object.
- ✗
`__foo__`
Why it's wrong here
This is not a predefined special method in Python.
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