Python vars(): Get the dict of an Object

The vars() function returns the __dict__ attribute of an object, which contains its namespace (attributes and values). It’s useful for debugging, dynamic attribute access, and introspection.

Example

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name
        self.age = age

p = Person("Alice", 30)
print(vars(p))

Output:

{'name': 'Alice', 'age': 30}

Returns a dictionary of the object’s attributes.

Syntax

vars(object)

• object (optional) → An instance with a __dict__ attribute.
• Returns → A dictionary of the object’s attributes.

1. Getting an Object’s Attributes as a Dictionary

class Car:
    def __init__(self, brand, year):
        self.brand = brand
        self.year = year

c = Car("Toyota", 2022)
print(vars(c))  
# Output: {'brand': 'Toyota', 'year': 2022}

Returns all attributes in a dictionary.

2. Modifying an Object’s Attributes with vars()

person = Person("Bob", 25)
vars(person)["age"] = 26  # Change age directly
print(person.age)  
# Output: 26

Lets you modify attributes dynamically.

3. Using vars() on a Module

import math
print(vars(math)["pi"])  
# Output: 3.141592653589793

Accesses module attributes dynamically.

4. Using vars() Without Arguments (Equivalent to locals())

x = 10
y = 20
print(vars())  
# Output: {'x': 10, 'y': 20, ...}

Returns all local variables in the current scope.

5. Checking Class Attributes (Not Instance Attributes)

class Sample:
    data = "Static Attribute"

print(vars(Sample))  
# Output: MappingProxyType({'__module__': '__main__', 'data': 'Static Attribute', ...})

For classes, vars() returns a mapping proxy, not an editable dictionary.

6. Using vars() for Dynamic Attribute Handling

class DynamicObject:
    pass

obj = DynamicObject()
vars(obj)["new_attr"] = "Hello"
print(obj.new_attr)  
# Output: Hello

Dynamically adds new attributes to an object.

7. Using vars() in Debugging

def debug():
    a = 10
    b = 20
    print(vars())  # Show all local variables

debug()
# Output: {'a': 10, 'b': 20}

Shows all variables in the function scope.

Key Notes

• ✔ Returns an object’s attributes as a dictionary.
• ✔ Works on instances, modules, and scopes.
• ✔ Modifies attributes dynamically.
• ✔ Use vars() inside functions to inspect local variables.

By using vars(), you can inspect objects, modify attributes dynamically, and debug efficiently. 🚀