What are the differences between `__str__` and `__repr__` methods in Python?
`__str__` is used for creating a user-friendly string representation, while `__repr__` is for an unambiguous representation useful for debugging. Implement both for better usability of your classes.
In Python, the __str__
and __repr__
methods serve different purposes in providing string representations of objects, which can significantly enhance usability and debugging. The __str__
method is intended to return a 'pretty' or user-friendly string representation of an object, making it suitable for display to end-users. For instance, when you use the print()
function, Python internally calls the __str__
method. In contrast, the __repr__
method is meant to provide an unambiguous representation of the object, which is particularly useful for debugging and logging. This representation is often formatted to include information that can be used to recreate the object. When implementing these methods, you should define __str__
to convey information relevant to end-users in a readable format, while __repr__
should be detailed enough for developers, potentially including class names and attributes. By providing both representations, you enhance the clarity and usability of your custom classes in Python.