Metaprogramming in Python refers to the practice of writing code that manipulates or generates other code. This powerful technique allows developers to create more adaptable, efficient, and reusable code. In Python, metaprogramming is often achieved through the use of metaclasses, decorators, and other dynamic features of the language ⁴⁵.

A metaclass is a class whose instances are classes themselves. It allows for customization of class instantiation and can be used for various purposes, such as logging, registering classes at creation time, interface checking, and automatically adding methods or variables to classes ²³. This capability enables developers to alter the behavior of their programs at runtime, making Python particularly flexible and dynamic ⁵.

While metaprogramming can lead to more concise and expressive code, it also requires careful handling to avoid complexity and maintainability issues. The dynamic nature of Python means that while it can perform impressive feats, it is essential to wield this power with understanding to prevent chaos in the codebase ⁵.