metaklasset

Metaklasset is a term used in object-oriented programming, particularly in languages like Python, to describe a class that creates other classes. In essence, it is a class whose instances are themselves classes. This concept allows for the dynamic creation and modification of class structures at runtime.

Python's metaclasses are implemented using the `type` object. When you define a class, Python internally uses `type` to construct that class object. Therefore, `type` itself is the default metaclass in Python. By creating a custom metaclass, developers can intercept the class creation process. This interception enables them to modify class attributes, add methods, or enforce certain structural rules before the class is fully formed.

The primary use cases for metaclasses include implementing design patterns like singletons, adding logging or validation to all classes within a module, or creating domain-specific languages (DSLs). While powerful, metaclasses can also make code more complex and harder to understand, so they are typically used in situations where their benefits outweigh the added complexity. Understanding metaclasses requires a solid grasp of object-oriented principles and how classes are represented and constructed within the programming language.