# Class & Static Methods — Python

Source: https://www.geekswithgeeks.com/en/python/py-class-static-methods

> Methods that belong to the class itself, not a particular instance.

## @classmethod vs @staticmethod

`@classmethod` receives the class (`cls`) instead of an instance — often used for alternate constructors. `@staticmethod` receives neither and is just a function grouped inside the class.

```python
class Pizza:
    def __init__(self, toppings):
        self.toppings = toppings

    @classmethod
    def margherita(cls):
        return cls(["mozzarella", "basil"])

    @staticmethod
    def is_valid_topping(name):
        return isinstance(name, str) and len(name) > 0

p = Pizza.margherita()
print(p.toppings)
print(Pizza.is_valid_topping("basil"))
```

**Quiz:** Which decorator lets a method create a new instance without an existing object?

- [ ] @staticmethod
- [x] @classmethod
- [ ] @property

*Answer:* @classmethod. @classmethod receives the class itself (cls) and can build and return a new instance.