class - Python calling method without 'self'

Question

So I just started programming in python and I don't understand the whole reasoning behind 'self'. I understand that it is used almost like a global variable, so that data can be passed between different methods in the class. I don't understand why you need to use it when your calling another method in the same class. If I am already in that class, why do I have to tell it??

example, if I have: Why do I need self.thing()?

class bla:
    def hello(self):
        self.thing()

    def thing(self):
        print "hello"

Answer 1

Also you can make methods in class static so no need for self. However, use this if you really need that.

Yours:

class bla:
    def hello(self):
        self.thing()

    def thing(self):
        print "hello"

static edition:

class bla:
    @staticmethod
    def hello():
        bla.thing()

    @staticmethod
    def thing():
        print "hello"