Difference between staticmethod and classmethod

Question

What is the difference between a function decorated with @staticmethod and one decorated with @classmethod?

Answer 1

A class method receives the class as implicit first argument, just like an instance method receives the instance. It is a method which is bound to the class and not the object of the class.It has access to the state of the class as it takes a class parameter that points to the class and not the object instance. It can modify a class state that would apply across all the instances of the class. For example it can modify a class variable that will be applicable to all the instances.

On the other hand, a static method does not receive an implicit first argument, compared to class methods or instance methods. And can’t access or modify class state. It only belongs to the class because from design point of view that is the correct way. But in terms of functionality is not bound, at runtime, to the class.

as a guideline, use static methods as utilities, use class methods for example as factory . Or maybe to define a singleton. And use instance methods to model the state and behavior of instances.

Hope I was clear !