"montana" <montana / buc99.bsd.st> wrote in message
news:200211131633.gADGXeFJ000838 / buc99.bsd.st...
> The value of an instance variable is only available to the instance of the
class, whereas the value of the class variable is available to all instances
of the class? Is this correct?
>
> If so the power of an instance variable is then to discern between
make-ups of similar instances of the same class.
>
> Does this sound correct??
>
> Thanks.
> SA
>

The class itself is an object too. It's an instance of some class. As well
as other objects it can have its own variables. Those are called "class
variables" by consideration. But generally they are instance variables too.
You should take a closer look at the notion of metaclasses.