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What Are User-Defined Classes in Python?

Python is an object-oriented programming language, with objects (concepts) belonging to a class. Classes can be defined by the user, complete with class objects, class attributes, and methods. It all starts when you give your class a name, then you define the different parts of your class.

In Python, classes can be extremely simple or complex, depending on what you need them to do.

How to Define a Class in Python

How to Define a Class in Python

First, give your class a name:

class Bread:

Next, define the attributes and methods you’d expect objects in this class to possess:

class Bread:

     color = ‘brown’

     shape = ‘sliced’

     def butter(self):

          print(‘Mmm… butter.’)

     def eaten(self):

          print(‘Into the void.’)

As you can see, the class Bread has the attributes of brown color and sliced shape. It also has the methods butter and eaten, which print the associated messages. The self parameter on the class instance-methods does not affect functions that are called from outside the class.

Instantiating Objects of Python Classes

Instantiating Objects of Python Classes

We can now define an instance of the class Bread. Let’s create a new instance using the class:

sourdough = Bread()

This means the instance sourdough has all of the attributes and methods of the class Bread. We can now add additional attributes to the object sourdough.

sourdough = Bread()

sourdough.taste = ‘sour’

Now, sourdough is brown, sliced, can be buttered, can be eaten, and has a sour taste.

When to Use Classes You Define in Python

When to Use Classes You Define in Python

Since Python is an object-oriented language, you’ll be using user-defined classes a lot. Classes are powerful tools for working effectively with data and functionality to engineer software that can be used by you and other developers. They can also be incredibly fun and versatile.

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Recommended Reading

Python vs C++

What Is the Python Interpreter?

What Can I Do with Python? Tips and Tricks

 

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