Everything is an Object in Python: From Basics to Metaclasses

Python learners and curious developers, you’ve probably heard this famous phrase in the programming world:

“Everything is an object in Python.”

It sounds almost mystical, but it’s actually one of the core reasons Python is so flexible and powerful. This article will take you from the very basics of“What exactly is an object?”all the way to advanced and mind-bending concepts like metaclasses.

Get ready for a light, fun, and easy-to-digest journey—no dry lectures here!

What Exactly is a Python Object?

In Python, an object is essentially a container that holds both data (attributes) and functions (methods) that operate on that data. You can think of it like a combo meal with fries and a drink—everything comes together.

For example:

a = 5
print(type(a))        # <class 'int'>
print(a.bit_length()) # 3, because 5 is 101 in binary

Here, a is not just a number; it’s an object of type int. It even comes with built-in methods like bit_length() that calculate how many bits are needed to represent the number in binary.

In other words, 5 is a full Python object, not just a simple integer.

Every Object Has a Type

Every object in Python carries a type label that tells Python what kind of object it is and what operations it supports:

print(type(5))          # <class 'int'>
print(type("hello"))    # <class 'str'>
print(type([1, 2, 3]))  # <class 'list'>

This type information determines what you can do with the object, like adding numbers, slicing strings, or appending to lists.

Classes in Python Are Objects, Too

Here’s the really cool part: classes themselves are objects in Python.

When you define a class, Python creates a“class object.”This object acts as a blueprint that can generate other objects.

class MyClass:
    pass

print(type(MyClass))  # <class 'type'>

Notice that MyClass is an object of type type. Yes—the class itself is an object!

Why is it Useful That Classes Are Objects?

Since classes are objects, you can:

1. Assign them to variables

Alias = MyClass
print(Alias)  # <class '__main__.MyClass'>

2. Pass them around in your code like any other object
3. Create classes dynamically

Dynamic = type('Dynamic', (), {'x': 10})
print(Dynamic.x)  # 10

Here, type() acts as a class factory, creating new classes on demand. Pretty powerful, right?

Meet the Metaclass: The Class of Classes

So what is type exactly? It’s a metaclass, meaning it’s the class that creates other classes.

print(type(MyClass))  # <class 'type'>
print(type(int))      # <class 'type'>
print(type(type))     # <class 'type'>

Even type itself is an instance of type. This self-referential concept can be mind-bending, but it’s at the heart of Python’s object system.

Identity, Type, and Value: The Three Pillars of Python Objects

Every Python object has three fundamental aspects:

1. Identity: A unique identifier, like a social security number, which you can check with id().
2. Type: The kind of object it is (int, list, str, etc.).
3. Value: The actual data it holds, like 5 or [1, 2, 3].

Example:

a = 5
print(id(a))      # Unique identifier
print(type(a))    # <class 'int'>
print(a)          # 5

Objects Are Everywhere in Python: Functions, Modules, and Instances

Python treats nearly everything as an object, not just numbers or strings.

Functions are objects

def greet():
    print("Hello!")

greet.language = 'English'
print(greet.language)  # English

Modules are objects

import math
print(type(math))  # <class 'module'>

Class instances are objects

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self.name = name

p = Person("Alice")
print(type(p))   # <class '__main__.Person'>
print(p.name)    # Alice

Why Should You Care About“Everything is an Object”?

Understanding that everything in Python is an object helps you:

• See why Python is so flexible and expressive.
• Write dynamic code with metaprogramming techniques.
• Debug and design programs more effectively.
• Impress your peers with deep knowledge of Python internals.

Final Thoughts

“Everything is an object”isn’t just a phrase—it’s a foundational concept that unlocks Python’s full power.

From simple numbers to complex metaclasses, mastering Python objects will elevate your programming skills and open doors to advanced techniques like dynamic class creation and metaprogramming.

Explore, experiment, and embrace Python’s object-oriented universe.

Happy coding! 🚀🐍