__complex__ — Easy Examples

Called by complex(); returns a complex number representation

EasyIntermediateAdvancedExpert

Implementing __complex__

Basic implementation of __complex__ in a class.

python
class Example:
    def __complex__(self):
        return "Example __complex__"

obj = Example()
print(obj)

__complex__ called by complex(); returns a complex number representation. Implementing it lets you customize how Python interacts with your objects.

__complex__ in action

Seeing __complex__ called by Python's built-in operations.

python
# How Python calls __complex__ automatically
class Demo:
    def __init__(self, value):
        self.value = value

    def __complex__(self):
        print(f"__complex__ was called!")
        return self

d = Demo(42)
# This triggers __complex__:
print(d)

Python automatically calls __complex__ when you use the corresponding operator or function on your object.

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