Question

this may seem a little odd, but it would make for a convenient way for me to finish a bit of code.

Because Python methods are objects themselves, could a method have a method of its own? That is, if I wanted to do the following (ignoring syntax):

def methodCaller(someArgs, methodB):
    # some stuff here . . .
    variableWithAGoodName = methodB()
    jonSkeet = methodB.methodC(variableWithAGoodName)
    return jonSkeet

Would it be possible? My guess is no, but if methods are just objects, shouldn’t it be possible somehow?

Thank you so much!

EDIT: I think as has been posted, I am looking for a high-order function.

My question is somewhat academic as I know I could reorganize my code to do this manner of thing totally differently. But, as it is, I am experimenting with Python to learn at least its basics. I haven’t tried this yet, but as I am unfamiliar with Python, it might be possible, just not with this syntax.

Another EDIT: I attempted to be funny with my naming but it made the question unclear. For that I apologize. Here is a better example:

def MethodA(MethodB):
    # MethodB is passed as a parameter but is also a method.
    # MethodB has a method of its own, somehow, because it is technically still
    # an object.
    MethodB.MethodC() #Let's pretend it returns nothing here.
    # Can this happen?

Answer 1

Yes and no. Obviously they can have attributes assigned to them which work similarly to methods. Further, functions come with methods already attached- for example, the __call__ method, which is called with the function.

However, to add a method to an object, what would you typically do? Subclass the object’s class, and add the method. However, if you try to subclass function

imports types
class F(types.FunctionType):
    pass

you’ll get this error

type 'function' is not an acceptable base type

If you want to make a “callable” object, that can have methods and use inheritance, try something like this.

class MyCallable(object):
    def __init__(self):
        self.message = "Look ma, I got called!"

    def __call__(self, *args, **kwargs):
        self.print_message()

    def print_message(self):
        print(self.message)


class CallableChild(object):
    def __call__(self, *args, **kwargs):
        super(CallableChild, self).__call__(*args, **kwargs)
        print "...as a child, too!"