What is the difference between @staticmethod and a regular function?

Question

Accepted Answer

**@staticmethod** is a method in a class that doesn't receive `self` or `cls`. A regular function is standalone.

```python
class MathUtils:
    @staticmethod
    def add(a, b):  # No self/cls
        return a + b

@staticmethod
    def is_even(n):
        return n % 2 == 0

# Usage
print(MathUtils.add(2, 3))     # 5
print(MathUtils.is_even(4))     # True

# Also works on instance
m = MathUtils()
print(m.add(2, 3))  # 5
```

**vs regular function:**
- **Static method**: logically belongs to the class.
- **Regular function**: independent utility.

**When to use @staticmethod:**
- Helper functions related to the class.
- Factory methods.
- Validation functions.
- When you want namespace organization.

**When to use regular function:**
- Truly independent utilities.
- Used across multiple classes.

Python: What is the difference between @staticmethod and a regular function?