Access class instance "name" dynamically in Python
- by user328317
In plain english: I am creating class instances dynamically in a for loop, the class then defines a few attributes for the instance. I need to later be able to look up those values in another for loop.
Sample code:
class A:
def init(self, name, attr):
self.name=name
self.attr=attr
names=("a1", "a2", "a3")
x=10
for name in names:
name=A(name, x)
x += 1
...
...
...
for name in names:
print name.attr
How can I create an identifier for these instances so they can be accessed later on by "name"?
I've figured a way to get this by associating "name" with the memory location:
class A:
instances=[]
names=[]
def init(self, name, attr):
self.name=name
self.attr=attr
A.instances.append(self)
A.names.append(name)
names=("a1", "a2", "a3")
x=10
for name in names:
name=A(name, x)
x += 1
...
...
...
for name in names:
index=A.names.index(name)
print "name: " + name
print "att: " + str(A.instances[index].att)
This has had me scouring the web for 2 days now, and I have not been able to find an answer. Maybe I don't know how to ask the question properly, or maybe it can't be done (as many other posts seemed to be suggesting).
Now this 2nd example works, and for now I will use it. I'm just thinking there has to be an easier way than creating your own makeshift dictionary of index numbers and I'm hoping I didn't waste 2 days looking for an answer that doesn't exist. Anyone have anything?
Thanks in advance,
Andy
Update: A coworker just showed me what he thinks is the simplest way and that is to make an actual dictionary of class instances using the instance "name" as the key.
