In Python, self is a conventional name for the first parameter of any instance method within a class. It represents the instance of the class itself. When a method is called on an object (an instance of a class), Python automatically passes that specific object as the self argument to the method. Here’s a breakdown of its purpose: Reference to the Instance: self allows you to access and manipulate the attributes (data) and methods (functions) that belong to that particular instance of the class.

Python's self

Cls vs. Self: Understanding Method Types in Python | Built In

Python Object-Oriented Programming

Advanced Python: Object-Oriented Programming

Object Oriented Programming in Python - Part 1