Python classes __ge__() method

The __ge__() method implements the internal workings of the greater than or equal to operator ( >= )  for objects of a given class.  This means that when we use the >= operator as x >= y, Python internally calls the  __ge__() method on x and passes y as the argument, i.e x.__ge__(y).  The method returns a boolean value of True if the current instance is greater than or equal to the other object, and False otherwise.

Most builtin types have this method defined, making it possible to use the >= operator on various builtin data type objects.

print(int(10).__ge__(5 *2)) # Same as print(10 >= 5*2)

print([1, 2].__ge__([3, 4])) #Same as print([1, 2] >= [3, 4])

print((3, 4).__ge__((2, 5))) #same as print((3, 4) >= (2, 5))

You should note that the method is usually defined to work with objects of the same class. Trying to use it with objects from different classes/types may result in a TypeError being raised.

print(int(10) >= [1, 2])

The >= operator (and indirectly the __ge__() method) is commonly used in loops, such as for and while loops, to test whether or not the current value of a loop variable is greater than or equal to a specific value. 

Implementing the __ge__() method for custom objects

In order for custom objects to be able to use the >= operator, the involved objects must define the __ge__() method.

class MyClass:
   def __ge__(self, other):
       #Statements

class Point:
   def __init__(self, x, y):
       self.x = x
       self.y = y
   #Define the __ge__() method
   def __ge__(self, other):
       if isinstance(other, Point):
            #validate that the "other object belongs to this class"
            return (self.x, self.y) >= (other.x, other.y)

       #Raise an exception if the "other" object does not belong to this class
       raise TypeError("Both objects should be instances of Point.")

p1 = Point(5, 6)
p2 = Point(4, 7)
p3 = Point(4, 7)

print(p1 >= p2)
print(p2 >= p3)
print(p2 >= p1)