Classes and Objects in Python

Defining a Class in Python

You define a class in Python using the `class` keyword followed by the class name and a colon.

Inside the class, you define methods, including the special `__init__` method which initializes new objects.

• `__init__` is the constructor method called when an object is created.
• Attributes are usually initialized inside `__init__`.
• Methods define the behaviors of the object.

Creating and Using Objects

Once a class is defined, you can create objects by calling the class as if it were a function.

You can access an object's attributes and methods using dot notation.

• Create an object: `my_dog = Dog('Buddy', 3)`
• Access attributes: `my_dog.name`
• Call methods: `my_dog.bark()`

Methods and Self Parameter

Methods are functions defined inside a class that describe the behaviors of an object.

The first parameter of every method is `self`, which refers to the instance calling the method.

• `self` allows access to the object's attributes and other methods.
• You do not pass `self` explicitly when calling a method.

Example: Complete Class with Methods

Let's look at a complete example of a class with attributes and methods.