Understanding descriptors

[Brian Allen Vanderburg II]

bruno.42.desthuilliers at websiteburo.invalid wrote:
>
> So the lookup chain is:
>
> 1/ lookup the class and bases for a binding descriptor
> 2/ then lookup the instance's __dict__
> 3/ then lookup the class and bases for a non-binding descriptor or 
> plain attribute
> 4/ then class __getattr__
>
> Also and FWIW, there's a "step zero" : calls __getattribute__. All the 
> above lookup mechanism is actually implemented by 
> object.__getattribute__.

Okay, so instance attributes never use their __get__/__set__/etc when 
looking up.

A binding descriptor is one that has a __set__ (even if it doesn't do 
anything) and it takes priority over instance variables.  Properties are 
binding descriptors even if they don't have a set function specified.  A 
non-binding descriptor doesn't have __set__ and instance variables take 
priority over them. 

For reading:

1. Lookup in the class/bases for a binding descriptor and if found use 
its __get__
2. If instance, look up in instance __dict__ and if found return it
3. Lookup in the class/bases
    a. if found and a descriptor use it's __get__
    b. if found and not a descriptor return it
4. Use __getattr__ (if instance?)

For writing:

1. If instance
    a. lookup in the class/bases for a binding descriptor and if found 
use its __set__
    b. write to instance __dict__
2. If class, write in class __dict__


I think I understand it now.  Thanks.

Brian Vanderburg II