Understanding the benefits of super() overriding __init__

Good question. But there might be some misunderstanding in how you phrased it. The function super() does not "override" the __init__(). Rather, it executes the __init__() of the parent class within the current subclass execution of __init__().

If the super() call is not included in the subclass.__init__() method, the subclass.__init__() completely overrides the parent.__init__() method preventing the parent's __init__() from executing. This can be a legitimate useage provide, there is nothing needed from the parent's initialization code.

It some cases the subclass does not need to modify the actions of the parent.__init__() at all. In this case, the subclass does not include an __init__() method. This will cause the parent's __init__() method to be called automatically.

Once the method __init__() is added to the subclass, the question becomes "Is there anything needed in the parent's __init__() method?" If yes, the a super() call is needed. The next question becomes "Does the subclass need to initial items before or after (or both) the parent's __init__() method runs?" If subclass needs to initialize items before the parent, super() is called last. If subclass needs to initialize items after the parent, super() is called first. If both, super() is called in the middle of the subclass.__init__() method code.

If you need more help, please post back. Good luck!