Tag: oop

By Example: Classes and Object-Oriented Programming in Python

A class is a data structure than can contain both variables and functions within a single entity. In Python, such classes are first class objects - and by extension, once we create an instance of a class we say that we have created an instance object. Beyond this basic practical standpoint, object-oriented programming (OOP) embodies three defining principles: (1) encapsulation, (2) inheritance, and (3) polymorphism - and by utilising these design methods we can vastly reduce the amount of code duplication in our programmes, as well creating code that is conceptually easier to understand. In this article I'll start with a practical example that demostrates all three principles of OOP and then work through the script, line by line, to discuss how Python implements classes and object-oriented programming.

Classes and Object-Oriented Programming in Python

Unlike some other object-oriented languages, Python doesn't force you to use the object-oriented paradigm exclusively: it also supports procedural programming with modules and functions, such that you can select the best paradigm for each part of your program or such that you can mix and match paradigms as needed. The object-oriented programming (OOP) helps you group state (data) and behaviour (code) together in self-contained scoped namespaces of functionality. OOP is also useful when you want to use some of Python's other object-oriented mechanisms, such as inheritance, overloading, and magic methods. In this post I cover the basics of classes, objects, and object-oriented programming from a Python syntax point of view.

Magic Methods in Python

Python's magic methods are a particular type of Python function whose specific purpose is to overload existing/built-in Python operators and/or methods. Therein, magic methods are an important part of how Python implements the object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm - as they allow for operator overloading, the customization of class objects, and ultimately provide us with a simple way to make our own custom objects behave like Python built-in types. In this article I'll review what magic methods are and which are the most commonly used (and how).