This is not about @staticmethod and @classmethod!  I know how staticmethod works.  What I want to know is the proper use cases for @staticmethod vs. a module-level function.I've googled this question, and it seems there's some general agreement that module-level functions are preferred over static methods because it's more pythonic.  Static methods have the advantage of being bound to its class, which may make sense if only that class uses it.  However, in Python functionality is usually organized by module not class, so usually making it a module function makes sense too.  Static methods can also be overridden by subclasses, which is an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you look at it.  Although, static methods are usually functionally pure so overriding it may not be smart, but it may be convenient sometimes (though this may be one of those convenient, but NEVER DO IT kind of things only experience can teach you).Are there any general rule-of-thumbs for using either staticmethod or module-level functions?  What concrete advantages or disadvantages do they have (e.g. future extension, external extension, readability)?  If possible, also provide a case example.
@staticmethod vs module-level function
python
Technically a static method and a module function behave pretty much identically - In both cases they work like standard functions, the difference being the namespace where they are placed.  So the decision is more one of maintainability/readability.Generally I would use a static method if some or all of these criteria are met:There is already an existing class with normal methodsThe function relates to objects of the class generally, but not one specific instanceYou want to be able to call the method as if it's a non-static method, possibly because you may want to make the method non-static in the future without breaking client code