PCPP1 Advanced Object Oriented Programming Practice Question
Consider a class that uses a metaclass to automatically register subclasses in a dictionary. If you want to prevent the base class itself from being registered, how should the metaclass be implemented?
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
✓
Check the class name within the metaclass __init__ method before adding it to the registry.
The metaclass __init__ method receives the class object. By checking the class name or using a specific attribute (e.g., _is_base), you can conditionally skip registration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check the class name within the metaclass __init__ method before adding it to the registry.
Why this is correct
The __init__ method is invoked after the class creation, allowing you to filter out the base class based on attributes or names.
- ✗
Use the __call__ method to raise a TypeError if the base class is instantiated.
Why it's wrong here
This would prevent instantiation, not registration during definition.
- ✗
Set the __new__ method of the metaclass to return None if the name is 'Base'.
Why it's wrong here
Returning None from __new__ would prevent the class from being created at all, causing an error.
- ✗
Define a decorator on the base class that removes it from the metaclass registry.
Why it's wrong here
Decorators run before metaclass logic, making this approach complex and prone to race conditions.
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Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
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