Purpose of the self parameter in Python class methods

Question:
In Python’s Object-Oriented Programming, inheritance allows a subclass to inherit methods and attributes from its parent class. There is also the concept of method overriding, where the subclass can provide its own implementation of a method defined in the parent class. However, Python also provides the @property decorator, which can be used to manage attributes more efficiently.

What is the purpose of the self parameter in Python class methods, and why is it necessary to include it in all instance methods of a class, even though it is not passed explicitly when calling a method on an object? Additionally, how does the use of self within a method differentiate between class-level and instance-level variables?

1. self is used to refer to the class itself and is necessary to create class-level variables
2. self is used to refer to the current instance of the class and is necessary to access instance-level variables and methods
3. self is used to initialize class attributes and is passed automatically during object creation
4. self is an optional keyword that can be used to improve code readability

Answer:
B - is the correct answer. self refers to the current instance of the class and is passed automatically when calling instance methods. It allows access to instance variables and other methods within the same object. Without self, methods would be unable to differentiate between local variables and instance variables