Python callable(): Check if an Object Can Be Called

Python callable(): Check if an Object Can Be Called

The callable() function checks if an object can be called like a function. This is useful when working with functions, classes, and objects that might behave like functions.

1. Checking if a Function is Callable

Before calling an object, make sure it’s actually callable to avoid errors.

def greet():
    return "Hello!"

print(callable(greet))  # Output: True
print(callable(10))     # Output: False  (Integers aren’t callable)

2. Checking If an Object Has a __call__() Method

Some objects act like functions if they have a __call__() method.

class Counter:
    def __call__(self, x):
        return x + 1

count = Counter()
print(callable(count))  # Output: True
print(count(5))         # Output: 6

This is great for custom behavior in classes!

3. Using callable() Before Executing a Function

Avoid crashes by verifying if an object is callable before running it.

action = "print"

if callable(action):
    action()  # Avoids TypeError
else:
    print("This is not callable.")

Key Notes

• ✔ Helps prevent errors by checking if an object is callable before using it.
• ✔ Works with functions, classes, and callable objects that implement __call__().
• ✔ Useful in dynamic programming when dealing with unknown objects.

By using callable(), you can make sure an object is actually executable before calling it, avoiding unexpected errors. 🚀