Python 3.5+typingterm

typing.SupportsAbs

Supports* protocols

A runtime-checkable protocol for objects supporting abs() (has __abs__).

Syntax

isinstance(obj, typing.SupportsAbs)

Its main use is as a parameter annotation — mark that a function accepts any object with abs(), without tying it to a concrete class. It is generic in the return type: SupportsAbs[float] states that abs() yields a float. The isinstance check only confirms __abs__ exists, not its signature or return type.

Examples

from typing import SupportsAbs
print(isinstance(5, SupportsAbs))   # → True
print(isinstance('abc', SupportsAbs))  # → False

from typing import SupportsAbs
class Money: __abs__ = lambda self: 42
print(isinstance(Money(), SupportsAbs))  # → True
print(abs(Money()))  # → 42
print(issubclass(complex, SupportsAbs))  # → True

See also

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