CLASS
In Python, a class is a blueprint for creating objects. Objects are instances of classes, and each object can have attributes (characteristics) and methods (functions) associated with it. Classes provide a way to model and organize code in an object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm.
Here's a basic example of a class in Python:
class Dog:
def __init__(self, name, age):
self.name = name
self.age = age
def bark(self):
print("Woof!")
def birthday(self):
self.age += 1
# Creating instances of the Dog class
dog1 = Dog("Buddy", 3)
dog2 = Dog("Max", 5)
# Accessing attributes
print(dog1.name) # Output: Buddy
print(dog2.age) # Output: 5
# Calling methods
dog1.bark() # Output: Woof!
# Modifying attributes
dog2.birthday()
print(dog2.age) # Output: 6
Dog is a class with attributes name and age.
The __init__ method is a special method called a constructor, which is used to initialize the object's attributes when an object is created.
The bark and birthday methods are functions associated with the Dog class.
To create an instance of the Dog class, you call the class as if it were a function, passing the necessary parameters. Each instance (object) has its own set of attributes and can call the methods defined in the class.
Classes in Python support inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism, which are key concepts in OOP. Here's a brief overview:
Inheritance: It allows a class to inherit attributes and methods from another class.
Encapsulation: It involves bundling the data (attributes) and the methods that operate on the data into a single unit (class).
Polymorphism: It allows objects to be treated as instances of their parent class, making it possible to use multiple classes interchangeably.