Python Decorators, Methods, and Functions

When the decorated function is called, the focus of Python is redirected to the decorating function. The decorator becomes a wrapper around the function. So, the name of the function that is called remains as the identity of the function, even when it is referenced by the decorating function.

>>> a.attribute
'I live to decorate a'
>>> b.mantra
'My existence is as an ornament for b'
>>> c.attribute
'I live to decorate c'
>>> c.mantra
'My existence is as an ornament for c'

In addition to the information presented here, on the Python Software Foundation's website you can find the proposal that lead to decorators, PEP 318, and the introductory discussion about them that accompanied Python 2.4.

Index: Python Decorators, Methods, and Functions

1. Python's Function Decorators: An Introduction
2. Python Decorator Precursors: A History of Python's staticmethod()
3. Python Decorator Precursors: A History of Python's classmethod()
4. Redirecting Python Calls to Functions and Methods
5. Defining the Decoration
6. Decorating Functions in Python
7. Output of the Decorated Functions