How to save class method's meta data in Python

Question

I have a Python class with several different methods doing different things, but I'd like each of them, when it runs, to save its name and argument values, so that I can use them later. One way I found is to add something like this to each of them:

frame = inspect.currentframe()
args, _, _, values = inspect.getargvalues(frame)
function_name = inspect.getframeinfo(frame)[2]
function_meta = {arg: values[arg] for arg in args}
self.meta[function_name] = function_meta

This is fine, however, I'd prefer to keep it DRY and don't have to copy/paste this identical snippet to every method I add.

Alternatively, I could turn it into a separate function save_meta(), but then inspect will return the data of save_meta(), instead of the function that called it, right? Is there any elegant and reusable way of solving this?

pingul · Accepted Answer · 2016-11-08 10:24:59Z

1

You only seem to be dependent on the current frame for the inspect. I would suggest

def save_meta(frame):
    args, _, _, values = inspect.getargvalues(frame)
    function_name = inspect.getframeinfo(frame)[2]
    function_meta = {arg: values[arg] for arg in args}
    self.meta[function_name] = function_meta

And call it with

save_meta(inspect.currentframe())

answered Nov 8, 2016 at 10:24

pingul

3,4813 gold badges30 silver badges47 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

5 Comments

machaerus Over a year ago

Ah damn, you're right, that was pretty basic. :) Thanks! Bonus question: is there any easier way to do this?

pingul Over a year ago

@machaerus Sorry, I saw your question just now. What do you mean with easier?

machaerus Over a year ago

I thought that maybe there's a way to do this without writing a custom function. It seems like a pretty basic functionality, I'm kinda surprised there's no built-in method for this.

pingul Over a year ago

@machaerus Nothing that I've heard of I'm afraid. If you use it often I guess you could make a super class to subclass from? Otherwise, at least it is quite short :)

machaerus Over a year ago

Ok, this method does the trick here, I was just curious. Thanks!

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to save class method's meta data in Python

1 Answer 1

5 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

5 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related