What is the difference between instance and class methods?

Can you explain the difference between instance methods and class methods in Python?

Sure! Instance methods operate on an instance of a class and can access instance variables. Class methods, on the other hand, are bound to the class itself and can access class variables.

Can you give me an example of each?

Of course! An instance method might look like this: def instance_method(self): return self.value. A class method would be defined with a decorator: @classmethod def class_method(cls): return cls.class_variable.

When would I use a class method instead of an instance method?

You'd use a class method when you need to access or modify class state that applies across all instances, rather than instance-specific data.

Thanks! That makes it clearer.