Reflection in Python refers to the ability of a program to inspect and modify its own structure and behavior at runtime. This powerful feature allows developers to dynamically access attributes and methods of objects, classes, and modules. Reflection can be particularly useful for tasks such as debugging, serialization, and implementing design patterns.

In Python, reflection is primarily achieved through built-in functions like getattr(), setattr(), hasattr(), and dir(). For example, getattr(object, name) retrieves the value of the named attribute from the specified object, while setattr(object, name, value) sets the value of the named attribute. The dir() function returns a list of valid attributes for an object, which can help in understanding the object’s structure.

While reflection can enhance flexibility and reduce boilerplate code, it should be used judiciously, as it can lead to code that is harder to read and maintain.