[python] What __init__ and self do in Python?

What does self do? What is it meant to be? Is it mandatory?

The first argument of every class method, including init, is always a reference to the current instance of the class. By convention, this argument is always named self. In the init method, self refers to the newly created object; in other class methods, it refers to the instance whose method was called.

Python doesn't force you on using "self". You can give it any name you want. But remember the first argument in a method definition is a reference to the object. Python adds the self argument to the list for you; you do not need to include it when you call the methods. if you didn't provide self in init method then you will get an error

TypeError: __init___() takes no arguments (1 given)

What does the init method do? Why is it necessary? (etc.)

init is short for initialization. It is a constructor which gets called when you make an instance of the class and it is not necessary. But usually it our practice to write init method for setting default state of the object. If you are not willing to set any state of the object initially then you don't need to write this method.