Class Concept in Python

Lecture 11

Class Concept in Python

In Python, a class is a blueprint for creating objects (instances) that share similar attributes and behaviors. It defines the structure and behavior of the objects that will be created from it. Classes are an essential part of object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm.
Here's a breakdown of the basic concepts related to classes in Python:

Class Definition:

A class is defined using the class keyword followed by the class name. It serves as a template for creating objects.

Objects (Instances):

Objects are instances of a class. They are created using the class name followed by parentheses. Each object has its own unique identity, state, and behavior.

Attributes:

Attributes are variables that store data associated with a class or an object. They can be either class attributes (shared by all instances) or instance attributes (specific to each instance). Attributes can be accessed using the dot notation (object.attribute). Methods: Methods are functions defined within a class that can perform specific actions on objects of that class. They define the behavior of the class. Similar to attributes, methods can be either class methods (operating on class-level data) or instance methods (operating on instance-specific data).

Constructor:

The constructor is a special method defined within a class called __init__. It is executed automatically when an object is created and is used to initialize the object's attributes.

Inheritance:

Inheritance allows classes to inherit attributes and methods from other classes. A class that inherits from another class is called a subclass or derived class, while the class being inherited from is called a superclass or base class.

Encapsulation:

Encapsulation is a mechanism that binds data (attributes) and functions (methods) together within a class, preventing direct access to internal implementation details from outside the class. It promotes data hiding and information security.

Polymorphism:

Polymorphism allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common base class. It enables the same method name to behave differently based on the object it is called upon. These concepts are fundamental to understanding and utilizing classes effectively in Python's object-oriented programming paradigm. They provide a way to structure code, organize data, and model real-world entities in a modular and reusable manner.