In Python 2.7, why should I enclose "int" in brackets when I want to call a method on it?

Question

in Python 2.7, why do I need to enclose int in brackets when I want to call a method on it?

 >>> 5.bit_length() SyntaxError: invalid syntax >>> (5).bit_length() 3 

Answer 1

This is a parser.

When Python sees . , he begins to look for decimal numbers. Your decimal is b , so it fails.

If you execute (5).bit_length() , then Python will first analyze what is between () , and then look for the bit_length method.

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If you try:

 5..zzz 

You will get the AttributeError that you expect. This will not work for integers: 5. is a float.

Answer 2

Because 5.something will be parsed as a floating point number.