What is the purpose of __init_subclass__ compared to a metaclass, and what are its limitations?

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What is the purpose of __init_subclass__ compared to a metaclass, and what are its limitations?

Key points

  • __init_subclass__ is a lightweight alternative to metaclasses
  • It is called on the parent class when a subclass is created
  • Metaclasses are more powerful and can perform deeper customizations
  • __init_subclass__ is sufficient for basic registration and validation tasks

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