The Python __rdiv__() magic method overrides the reverse division operation for a custom object in Python 2. In Python 3, it was replaced by the __rtruediv__() and __rfloordiv__() dunder methods.
- The Python
__rtruediv__()method is called to implement the normal division operation/called true division and apply it in reverse. - The Python
__rfloordiv__()method implements the reverse integer division operation.
Syntax
object.__rdiv__(self, other)The __rdiv__() method implements the reverse true division operation in Python 2 with reflected, swapped operands. So, when you call x / y, Python attempts to call x.__div__(y). If the method is not implemented, Python attempts to call __rdiv__ on the right operand and if this isn’t implemented either, it raises a TypeError.
We call this a “Dunder Method” for “Double Underscore Method” (also called “magic method”). To get a list of all dunder methods with explanation, check out our dunder cheat sheet article on this blog.
Example
To override the reverse division operator in Python 2, define the __rdiv__ method in the class. Python will then call it on the second operand as a backup if the __div__ method is not defined for the first operand.
# Works for Python 2 Only:
class Data:
def __rdiv__(self, other):
return '... my result of rdiv...'
a = Data()
b = Data()
c = a / b
print(c)
# ... my result of rdiv...If you want the same example in Python 3, read on!
Background Reverse True Division Python 3
The Python __rtruediv__() method is called to implement the normal division operation / called true division—as opposed to the floor division operation //.
For example to evaluate the expression x / y, Python attempts to call x.__truediv__(y).
In the following example, you create a custom class Data and overwrite the __truediv__() method so that it returns a dummy string when trying to divide two Data objects using the true division operation a / b.
class Data:
def __rtruediv__(self, other):
return '... my result of rtruediv...'
a = Data()
b = Data()
c = a / b
print(c)
# ... my result of rtruediv...To understand this operation in detail, feel free to read over our tutorial or watch the following video:
References:
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