PCPP1 Advanced Object Oriented Programming Practice Question
In the context of the Descriptor Protocol, what is the primary difference between a data descriptor and a non-data descriptor?
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
✓
Data descriptors define __set__ or __delete__, whereas non-data descriptors do not.
A data descriptor defines both __get__ and __set__ (or __delete__), while a non-data descriptor only defines __get__.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Non-data descriptors can override instance dictionary lookup.
Why it's wrong here
Only data descriptors have priority over instance __dict__ lookups.
- ✓
Data descriptors define __set__ or __delete__, whereas non-data descriptors do not.
Why this is correct
This is the strict definition of the descriptor protocol's precedence.
- ✗
Data descriptors only function with class attributes.
Why it's wrong here
Data descriptors work on both instance and class levels.
- ✗
Non-data descriptors are always read-only.
Why it's wrong here
They are just descriptors that lack set/delete logic; read-only is a property of the implementation.
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Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
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