Is there a name for double underscore functions?

Question

Is there a term for functions starting and ending with the double underscore (init or getattr for example)? I understand their purpose, just wondering if there is a good way to refer to them! Thanks!

I think this question has been incorrectly marked as a duplicate. While the meaning of double underscore functions has been answered, my question was specifically about their name, and that was not answered by any of the top answers in the linked question. — Christopher Shroba, Jul 04 '15 at 06:20

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 04 '15 at 06:11

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I always heard them named "dunder functions" as a shortname for "double-underscore functions".

It's a name a bit surprising at first, but easy to say and understand when talking.

answered Jul 04 '15 at 06:11

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Haha, I like that! Thanks! – Christopher Shroba Jul 04 '15 at 06:11

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 04 '15 at 06:17

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Python docs refers to the functions or attributes starting and trailing with double underscore as "magic objects" or "magic attributes".

double_leading_and_trailing_underscore : "magic" objects or attributes that live in user-controlled namespaces. E.g. init , import or file .

answered Jul 04 '15 at 06:17

Rahul Gupta

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Ah there we go! Thanks a lot :) – Christopher Shroba Jul 04 '15 at 06:18

Is there a name for double underscore functions?

2 Answers2