Python is a very flexible programming language, and the **magic methods** provide this flexibility.

**Magic Methods** are methods with specific syntax that provide functionality for different operations in Python.

For example:
```python
# What do you use:
len(string)
a + b

# What Python does:
string.__len__()
a.__add__(b)
```

The `a + b` operator invokes the `__add__()` magic method of the first object (`a.__add__(b)`). In Python, operators like `+` call the corresponding magic methods of the objects involved. The `__init__` magic method is called when an instance of a class is created.

> Note
>
> Magic methods have a specific syntax where the method name is enclosed in double underscores (`__`) at start and end of method name.

Let's take a look at an example implementation of the `__add__` magic method:

class Road:
    def __init__(self, length):
        self.length = length

    def __add__(self, other_road):
        return Road(self.length + other_road.length)

road_1 = Road(20)
road_2 = Road(30)
road_3 = road_1 + road_2  # road_3 = road_1.__add__(road_2)

print(type(road_3))
print(road_3.length)

What syntax is used for the magic methods?

This course covers Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python, starting with the basics and progressing to advanced concepts. You will implement a User model to gain practical experience and understanding of OOP features. By the end of the course, you will have a strong foundation in OOP and a deeper knowledge of Python's inner workings.

Let's start! The Object-Oriented Programming basic concepts are waiting for you here! In this section, you will get acquainted with the most important concepts for understanding Object-Oriented Programming.

Inheritance - the first of the OOP principles. The entities can be inherited from other ones. You learn how it works in code here.

Inheritance - the second of the OOP principles. The attributes and methods can be closed inside the class and used by the class only. Here you learn how to code with different access modifiers.

Polymorphism and abstraction are the third and fourth of the OOP principles. These principles are not easy to understand. Here you will get to know them in the simplest ways.

The magic methods make sandbox from Python. It's a unique Python tool you can't see in other languages. Here you learn how to use these methods and about the flexibility that they bring to Python.

In-Depth Python OOP

What are magic methods?