What is the primary role of the "self" keyword in Python?

The primary role of the "self" keyword in Python is to serve as a reference to the current instance of the class. When you define methods within a class, "self" allows you to access instance attributes and methods from within those methods. This enables you to manipulate the data of the specific object that is calling the method.

For example, when an object of a class is created and a method is invoked on it, "self" automatically refers to that particular instance, enabling you to work with its properties and behavior. This is crucial in object-oriented programming, as it allows for the maintenance of state and behavior in individual objects.

Using "self" in method definitions makes it clear that the methods are meant to operate on instance data, distinguishing between class-level and instance-level scope. This is a foundational concept in Python's object-oriented approach, allowing for encapsulation and the creation of methods that can operate on the data bound to a specific instance.