Query on type() in Python

Question

When I run the following, I got the output as below:

x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(type(x))

y = "PYTHON"
print(type(y))

Output:

<class 'list'>
<class 'str'>

I have read that everything in Python is a object, yet I am seeing the output as class. I also read that object is a class. How can an object be a class? I am beginner in python and was unable to understand this. Can you please help me?

Does this answer your question? [Class vs. Type in Python](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/35958961/class-vs-type-in-python) — Luis Henrique, Jan 02 '20 at 18:59

Avi Kaminetzky · Answer 1 · 2020-01-02T19:08:24.590

0

The purpose of the type function is to give you the class of a given object, not the type of the instantiated object.

See the docs: https://docs.python.org/3/library/functions.html#type.

edited Jan 02 '20 at 19:08

answered Jan 02 '20 at 18:58

Avi Kaminetzky

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What is the difference? – Scott Hunter Jan 02 '20 at 19:01
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That doesn't explain the difference between "the class of a given object" and "type of the instantiated object" – Sayse Jan 02 '20 at 19:04
@AviKaminetzky - I understand your analogy in terms of difference between class and an instance, but that doesn't appear to be what your initial statement is comparing – Sayse Jan 02 '20 at 19:07

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 02 '20 at 18:58

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An object is an instance of a class. type is identifying the class of which this object is an instance.

answered Jan 02 '20 at 18:58

Jon Kiparsky

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score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 02 '20 at 18:59

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Welcome to stackoverflow.

What you are saying is correct. Both x and y are objects.

The function "type" basically tells you about what is the type of the object.

As x is a list it's of list type. And same goes for y.

answered Jan 02 '20 at 18:59

Swetank Poddar

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Query on type() in Python

3 Answers3