#python#classesandobjects
Python Classes and Objects - Part 2: Attributes and Methods
What is an attribute?
An attribute is data that belongs to an object. It tells us something about the object.
for example:
python
class Car:
def __init__(self, brand, color):
self.brand = brand
self.color = color
c1 = Car("Toyota", "Red")
print(c1.brand) # Toyota
print(c1.color) # RedHere, brand and color are attributes.
What is a method?
A method is an action that an object can do. It is written like a normal function, but it is inside a class.
for example:
python
class Car:
def __init__(self, brand, color):
self.brand = brand
self.color = color
self.speed = 0
def accelerate(self):
self.speed = self.speed + 10
print(self.brand, "is going", self.speed, "km/h")
c1 = Car("Toyota", "Red")
c1.accelerate() # Toyota is going 10 km/h
c1.accelerate() # Toyota is going 20 km/hHere, accelerate is a method.
What is the difference between attribute and method?
- Attribute = data -what the object has
- Method = action -what the object can do
for example, in the Car class:
- brand, color, speed → attributes
- accelerate() → method
Can one method use another method inside a closs?
Yes. Inside a class, one method can call another method it is done using self.
for example:
python
class Car:
def __init__(self, brand):
self.brand = brand
self.speed = 0
def accelerate(self):
self.speed = self.speed + 10
def drive(self):
self.accelerate()
self.accelerate()
print(self.brand, "speed is now", self.speed)
c1 = Car("Honda")
c1.drive() # Honda speed is now 20Can we give default values to attributes?
Yes. We can give default values inside __init__, so we don't need to pass every value every time.
for example:
python
class Car:
def __init__(self, brand, color="White"):
self.brand = brand
self.color = color
c1 = Car("Honda")
c2 = Car("Ford", "Blue")
print(c1.color) # White
print(c2.color) # Blue
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