Static Method Decorator

Part of the Object Oriented Programming section of Coddy's Python journey — lesson 11 of 64.

The @staticmethod decorator creates methods that don't need self or the class. They work like regular functions but belong to the class.

Here is an example of a class with static methods:

class MathHelper:
    @staticmethod
    def add(a, b):
        return a + b
    
    @staticmethod
    def is_even(number):
        return number % 2 == 0

Call static methods using the class name:

result = MathHelper.add(5, 3)
print(result)

check = MathHelper.is_even(10)
print(check)

You can also call them from an object:

helper = MathHelper()
result2 = helper.add(2, 4)
print(result2)

Output:

8
True
6

Static methods don't access instance or class data:

class Calculator:
    brand = "Python Calc"
    
    def __init__(self, owner):
        self.owner = owner
    
    @staticmethod
    def multiply(x, y):
        # Cannot access self.owner or Calculator.brand
        return x * y

Key Point: Use @staticmethod when you need a function that's related to the class but doesn't need access to instance (self) or class data. No self parameter needed.

Cheat sheet

The @staticmethod decorator creates methods that don't need self or the class. They work like regular functions but belong to the class.

class MathHelper:
    @staticmethod
    def add(a, b):
        return a + b
    
    @staticmethod
    def is_even(number):
        return number % 2 == 0

Call static methods using the class name:

result = MathHelper.add(5, 3)
check = MathHelper.is_even(10)

You can also call them from an object:

helper = MathHelper()
result2 = helper.add(2, 4)

Static methods don't access instance or class data - no self parameter needed.

Try it yourself

This lesson doesn't include a code challenge.

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Object Oriented Programming

2Decorators

Introduction to Decorators Property DecoratorStatic Method DecoratorClass Method Decorator

5Polymorphism

Method Overriding Revisited Duck Typing Abstract Classes and Methods Interface Design Recap - Shape Calculator

8Advanced OOP Concepts

Composition vs Inheritance Mixins Static and Class Methods Class Decorators Context Managers

11Design Patterns Part 2

Command Pattern Adapter Pattern Decorator Pattern Template Method Pattern State Pattern Composite Pattern

3Class Properties

Instance vs Class Variables Property Decorators Private Attributes Recap - Bank Account Manager

6Encapsulation

Public, Protected, Private Mem Access Modifiers Information Hiding Property Decorators Advanced Recap - Student Records System

9Advanced Arguments

The *args The **kwarg

12Project: Library Management

Project Overview Book and User Classes

Borrowing System

Search Functionality

Admin Interface

Testing and Integration