What Are Python Classes and Objects? See Examples

Python is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, and classes and objects are its core concepts. A class is a blueprint for creating objects, while an object is an instance of a class with its own data and behavior.

Using classes and objects allows you to organize code logically, reuse code, and model real-world problems in your programs.

Why Classes and Objects Are Important

Encapsulate data and behavior
Make code reusable and modular
Enable real-world modeling
Support inheritance and polymorphism

Example:

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

    def display_info(self):
        print(f"Car: {self.brand} {self.model}")

# Creating an object
my_car = Car("Toyota", "Corolla")
my_car.display_info()

Defining a Class in Python

Use the class keyword to define a class.

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name
        self.age = age

    def greet(self):
        print(f"Hello, my name is {self.name} and I am {self.age} years old")

__init__ is a constructor called automatically when an object is created
self refers to the instance of the class

Creating Objects (Instances)

person1 = Person("Aman", 25)
person2 = Person("Neha", 22)

person1.greet()
person2.greet()

Accessing Attributes and Methods

print(person1.name)  # Access attribute
person1.greet()      # Call method

Updating Attributes

person1.age = 26
print(person1.age)

Deleting Attributes and Objects

del person1.age      # Delete attribute
del person2          # Delete object

Example: Real-World Scenario

class BankAccount:
    def __init__(self, owner, balance=0):
        self.owner = owner
        self.balance = balance

    def deposit(self, amount):
        self.balance += amount
        print(f"Deposited: {amount}, New Balance: {self.balance}")

    def withdraw(self, amount):
        if amount <= self.balance:
            self.balance -= amount
            print(f"Withdrawn: {amount}, Remaining Balance: {self.balance}")
        else:
            print("Insufficient balance!")

account = BankAccount("Sagar", 1000)
account.deposit(500)
account.withdraw(200)
account.withdraw(2000)

Best Practices

✔ Keep classes focused on a single responsibility
✔ Use meaningful attribute and method names
✔ Use inheritance and encapsulation wisely
✔ Avoid deep nesting of classes

Conclusion

Classes and objects are fundamental for object-oriented programming in Python. They help in structuring programs efficiently, creating reusable code, and modeling real-world systems.

References

Internal Reference: https://savanka.com/category/learn/python/
External Reference: https://www.w3schools.com/python/