Python type(): Get or Create an Object’s Type

The type() function retrieves the type of an object or dynamically creates a new class. It’s useful for debugging, type checking, and metaprogramming.

Example

x = 10
print(type(x))

Output:

<class 'int'>

Returns the type of x as int.

Syntax

1. Get Type of an Object

type(object)

• object → The variable whose type is needed.
• Returns → The class type of the object.

2. Create a New Class Dynamically

type(class_name, bases, attributes)

• class_name → Name of the new class.
• bases → Tuple of parent classes (inheritance).
• attributes → Dictionary of attributes and methods.
• Returns → A new class.

1. Checking the Type of Different Objects

print(type(5))          # Output: 
print(type(3.14))       # Output: 
print(type("Hello"))    # Output: 
print(type([1, 2, 3]))  # Output: 

Works on all Python objects.

2. Using type() for Conditional Checks

x = "Python"
if type(x) == str:
    print("x is a string")

Checks if x is a string.

3. Using isinstance() Instead of type() (Better for Inheritance)

class Animal: pass
class Dog(Animal): pass

d = Dog()

print(type(d) == Dog)        # Output: True
print(type(d) == Animal)     # Output: False
print(isinstance(d, Animal)) # Output: True

Use isinstance() instead of type() when dealing with inheritance.

4. Creating a New Class Using type()

Person = type("Person", (), {"greet": lambda self: "Hello!"})
p = Person()
print(p.greet())  
# Output: Hello!

Dynamically creates a class named Person with a method greet().

Key Notes

• ✔ Retrieves an object’s type.
• ✔ Supports all data types (int, float, list, dict, etc.).
• ✔ Can dynamically create new classes.
• ✔ Use isinstance() for checking inheritance.

By using type(), you can identify object types, create classes dynamically, and perform advanced metaprogramming. 🚀