Python object() Function

The object() function is the most basic built-in function in Python. It returns a featureless object that is the base for all new-style classes.

In Python, object is the top-most class in the class hierarchy. All classes inherit directly or indirectly from this base class.

Syntax

object()

Parameters:

• None

Returns:

• A new featureless object instance.

Example: Create a Blank Object

obj = object()
print(type(obj))

<class 'object'>

Why Use object()?

• Used as a base class in custom class definitions.
• Helps define immutable and minimal objects.
• Essential when creating classes in modern Python (new-style classes).

Example: Inheriting from object

Although it's optional in Python 3, you can explicitly inherit from object to define a class:

class MyClass(object):
    pass

instance = MyClass()
print(isinstance(instance, object))

True

Use Case: Ensuring Consistent Inheritance

Explicitly using object helps ensure consistent method resolution order (MRO), especially in multiple inheritance scenarios.

Attributes of object()

Although featureless, object() still has some basic methods:

• __str__()
• __repr__()
• __eq__()
• __hash__()

Common Mistakes

• Modifying the returned object from object() – You can't add attributes to it directly.
• Confusing object() with instantiating a usable structure – It’s only meant as a base type.

Interview Tip

In interviews, understanding that all Python classes inherit from object is important. It affects how methods like __init__ and __str__ behave in inheritance.

Summary

• object() creates a minimal base object.
• It is the ancestor of all Python classes.
• Mostly used for inheritance and class hierarchies.

Practice Problem

Create a custom class that inherits from object and adds a method to greet.

class Greeter(object):
    def greet(self):
        return "Hello from object!"

obj = Greeter()
print(obj.greet())

Hello from object!

This shows how even a basic class built from object can be extended for real use.