What is the difference between methods and functions in Python?

Can you explain the difference between methods and functions in Python?

Sure! In Python, a function is a block of code that performs a specific task and can be called independently. A method, on the other hand, is a function that is associated with an object and is called on that object.

Can you give me an example of a function and a method?

Of course! A simple function could be def add(a, b): return a + b. A method example would be list.append(item), which adds an item to a list object.

Are methods just functions that belong to classes?

Exactly! Methods are functions defined within a class and are meant to operate on instances of that class.

What about the use of 'self' in methods?

The 'self' parameter in methods refers to the instance of the class itself, allowing access to its attributes and other methods.