Python Decorators, Methods, and Functions

In order to use a decorator, one must first have functions to serve that purpose. Let's create two simple functions, each receives a function as its first and only argument and then creates an attribute for that function object.

>>> def decorate(function):
...     function.attribute = 'I live to decorate ' + function.__name__ + '.'
...     return function
...
>>> def ornament(function):
...     function.mantra = 'My existence is as an ornament for ' + function.__name__ + '.'
...     return function

If you need to refresh yourself on the attributes and methods of function objects, simply type the following at the Python shell prompt (after defining decorate): dir(decorate). One of the attributes is __name__. You will want to pay attention to the value of this attribute in the output of the program.

• Python's Function Decorators: An Introduction
• Python Decorator Precursors: A History of Python's staticmethod()
• Python Decorator Precursors: A History of Python's classmethod()
• Redirecting Python Calls to Functions and Methods
• Defining the Decoration
• Decorating Functions in Python
• Output of the Decorated Functions