Classes and Objects in Python: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Python is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, which means it allows developers to structure code using classes and objects. This makes programs more organized, reusable, and easier to maintain.

In this tutorial, we will explore what classes and objects in Python are, how they work, and see practical examples to understand their usage.

What are Classes and Objects in Python?

• Class: A class is a blueprint for creating objects. It defines the structure (attributes) and behavior (methods) of objects.

• Object: An object is an instance of a class. It represents real-world entities that can hold data and perform actions.

Think of a class as a template and objects as actual copies created from it.

Creating a Class in Python

We define a class in Python using the class keyword:

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

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

• __init__ → A special method (constructor) used to initialize object attributes.

• self → Refers to the current object of the class.

Creating an Object in Python

Now, let’s create an object (instance) from the Car class:

car1 = Car("Toyota", "Corolla")
car2 = Car("Tesla", "Model 3")

car1.display_info()  # Output: Car: Toyota Corolla
car2.display_info()  # Output: Car: Tesla Model 3

Here:

• car1 and car2 are objects created from the Car class.

• Each object has its own data but shares the class structure.

Example: Student Class

Let’s create another example for better understanding:

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

    def introduce(self):
        return f"My name is {self.name}, and I am {self.age} years old."

# Creating objects
student1 = Student("Alice", 20)
student2 = Student("Bob", 22)

print(student1.introduce())  
print(student2.introduce())

Output:

My name is Alice, and I am 20 years old.
My name is Bob, and I am 22 years old.

Benefits of Using Classes and Objects in Python

✅ Code Reusability – Define once, use multiple times.
✅ Modularity – Break code into smaller, manageable pieces.
✅ Data Encapsulation – Protect data inside classes.
✅ Scalability – Easier to extend large projects.

Conclusion

Classes and objects are the foundation of OOP in Python. By using them, developers can write clean, reusable, and structured code. Whether building small scripts or large applications, mastering classes and objects is essential for becoming a Python expert.

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