What is a key difference between a method and a function?

A method is indeed owned by the data it works for, which is a key differentiating factor from a function. In object-oriented programming, methods are functions that are associated with a particular class or instance of a class. This means that methods are able to operate on the data contained within that class and can access its attributes. Given that they are tied to the data structure they belong to, methods require an object of that class to be called.

In contrast, functions are standalone blocks of code that can be called independently, without being tied to any class or object. This distinction is essential in understanding how programming in Python and other object-oriented languages is structured. Recognizing that methods have that relationship with their class or instance helps clarify how they can leverage the properties of the data they are tied to while functions operate more generally.

This understanding enhances comprehension of how to effectively use both functions and methods in Python programming.