Python Object-Oriented Programming

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Classes and Objects

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python allows you to define custom data types using classes. A class is a blueprint for creating objects, which are instances of the class.

Syntax

class ClassName:
    def __init__(self, attribute1, attribute2):
        self.attribute1 = attribute1
        self.attribute2 = attribute2

    def method(self):
        # Code for the method
        pass

Example

class Car:
    def __init__(self, brand, model):
        self.brand = brand
        self.model = model

    def drive(self):
        print(f"The {self.brand} {self.model} is driving.")

car = Car("Toyota", "Corolla")
car.drive()  # Output: The Toyota Corolla is driving.
  • The __init__ method is a constructor that initializes the attributes of the class. Methods are functions defined inside the class that operate on its attributes.

Instance and Class Variables

Instance variables are unique to each object instance, while class variables are shared among all instances of a class.

Example

class Car:
    wheels = 4  # Class variable

    def __init__(self, brand, model):
        self.brand = brand  # Instance variable
        self.model = model  # Instance variable

car1 = Car("Toyota", "Corolla")
car2 = Car("Honda", "Civic")

print(car1.wheels)  # Output: 4
print(car2.wheels)  # Output: 4
  • wheels is a class variable, so its value is shared by all instances of the Car class. brand and model are instance variables, unique to each Car object.

Pillars of OOP

Python supports the four main pillars of Object-Oriented Programming:

Encapsulation

Bundling the data (attributes) and methods (functions) that operate on the data into a single unit, or class.

Example: In the Car class, the brand and model attributes are encapsulated within the class.

Abstraction

Hiding the complex implementation details and exposing only the essential features of an object.

Example: When you call the drive() method on a Car object, you don’t need to know how the method works internally.

Inheritance

Creating a new class that is a modified version of an existing class. The new class inherits attributes and methods from the parent class.

Example:

class ElectricCar(Car):
    def __init__(self, brand, model, battery_size):
        super().__init__(brand, model)
        self.battery_size = battery_size

    def charge(self):
        print(f"The {self.brand} {self.model} is charging.")

Polymorphism

The ability to present the same interface for different underlying data types or classes.

Example:

class Dog:
    def sound(self):
        return "Woof!”

class Cat:
    def sound(self):
        return "Meow!"

def make_sound(animal):
    print(animal.sound())

dog = Dog()
cat = Cat()
make_sound(dog)  # Output: Woof!
make_sound(cat)  # Output: Meow!
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