performing set operations on custom classes in python
Question:
I’d like to use Python’s built-in set class with a custom class that I’ve created. If I want
to create sets containing instances of my custom class, what functions do I need to implement so that I can perform tests, like set_a – set_b?
Answers:
It will work out of the box, however, there might be cases, when it makes sense to overload __eq__, __ne__ and __hash__. By default, __eq__ will compare for object identity. This might not be what you want. In that case, you have to take care that equal object have equal hashes, and, ideally, not equal object have different hashes (although this is not required, it merely reduces collisions). You should always implement __ne__ using __eq__, unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise (this is done to ensure logical consistency).
Also, when overloading __hash__, you have to take care that the hash does not change while the object is stored in a set.
I’d like to use Python’s built-in set class with a custom class that I’ve created. If I want
to create sets containing instances of my custom class, what functions do I need to implement so that I can perform tests, like set_a – set_b?
It will work out of the box, however, there might be cases, when it makes sense to overload __eq__, __ne__ and __hash__. By default, __eq__ will compare for object identity. This might not be what you want. In that case, you have to take care that equal object have equal hashes, and, ideally, not equal object have different hashes (although this is not required, it merely reduces collisions). You should always implement __ne__ using __eq__, unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise (this is done to ensure logical consistency).
Also, when overloading __hash__, you have to take care that the hash does not change while the object is stored in a set.