Python __radd__() Magic Method

Syntax

object.__radd__(self, other)

The Python __radd__() method implements the reverse addition operation that is addition with reflected, swapped operands. So, when you call x + y, Python attempts to call x.__add__(y). Only if the method is not implemented on the left operrand, Python attempts to call __radd__ 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.

Python __add__ vs __radd__

Say, you want to calculate the + operation on two custom objects x and y:

print(x + y)

Python first tries to call the left object’s __add__() method x.__add__(y). But this may fail for two reasons:

1. The method x.__add__() is not implemented in the first place, or
2. The method x.__add__() is implemented but returns a NotImplemented value indicating that the data types are incompatible.

If this fails, Python tries to fix it by calling the y.__radd__() for reverse addition on the right operand y.

If the reverse addition method is implemented, Python knows that it doesn’t run into a potential problem of a non-commutative operation. If it would just execute y.__add__(x) instead of x.__add__(y), the result would be wrong because the operation may be non-commutative when defined as a custom operation. That’s why y.__radd__(x) is needed.

So, the difference between x.__add__(y) and x.__radd__(y) is that the former calculates x + y whereas the latter calculates y + x — both calling the respective method defined on the object x.

You can see this in effect here where we attempt to call the operation on the left operand x—but as it’s not implemented, Python simply calls the reverse operation on the right operand y.

class Data_1:
    pass

class Data_2:
    def __radd__(self, other):
        return 'called reverse +'


x = Data_1()
y = Data_2()

print(x + y)
# called reverse +

References:

• https://docs.python.org/3/reference/datamodel.html

Chris

While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.

To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com. He’s author of the popular programming book Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), coauthor of the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books, computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.

His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.