Python NameError: name 'self' is not defined   

Common errors for beginners related to self in Python is:

NameError: name 'self' is not defined

The keyword self is a special one and can only be used inside class methods where is defined as a parameter. Keyword self should be used only in class methods scope otherwise you will may get one of the errors above.

Example for incorrect usage:

self.me = "me"
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class myclass:
    def __init__(self):
        name = 'name'

this code will cause error:

NameError: name 'self' is not defined

This is correct way to use self:

class myclass:
    name = ''
    def __init__(self):
        self.name = 'name'

In general for self and python you can think in this way:

• It can be used for:
  • When you define an instance method
  • Referencing a class or instance attribute

Use self to refer to instance variables and methods from other instance methods.