Introduction to OOP, Python Review
• What is OOP?: Object-Oriented Programming is a coding paradigm centered around 'objects' that bundle
data and behavior. It enhances modularity and reusability in software design.
• Four Pillars of OOP: Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction form the foundation of
OOP, enabling complex and scalable software architectures.
• Why Python for OOP?: Python's simple syntax and dynamic typing make it an ideal language for
implementing OOP concepts, especially for beginners and rapid development.
• Classes and Objects in Python: Python uses classes as templates for creating objects. Each object is an
instance with its own attributes and methods, supporting code reuse and clarity.
• Quick Python Refresher: Covers core elements like variables, loops, functions, and conditionals, ensuring
foundational knowledge is solid before diving deeper into OOP.
Understanding Encapsulation in Python
• Encapsulation Defined: Encapsulation is the practice of restricting direct access to some of an object's
components, promoting modularity and data protection.
• Public vs. Private Members: Python uses naming conventions (like _var or __var) to distinguish between
public, protected, and private attributes or methods.
• Getters and Setters: Encapsulation often uses getter and setter methods to access and modify private
variables safely and predictably.
• Why It Matters: Encapsulation prevents unintended interference, ensures code security, and enhances
object integrity by hiding implementation details.
• Python Property Decorators: The @property decorator in Python offers a Pythonic way to implement
encapsulation without explicit getters/setters.
Inheritance: Building Hierarchies
• What is Inheritance?: Inheritance allows a class (child/subclass) to acquire properties and behaviors from
another class (parent/superclass), enabling code reuse.
• Syntax of Inheritance in Python: In Python, inheritance is declared by passing the parent class as a
parameter in the class definition, e.g., class Dog(Animal):
• Types of Inheritance: Python supports single, multiple, multilevel, hierarchical, and hybrid inheritance,
each offering different ways to structure relationships.
• The Role of `super()`: The `super()` function allows calling methods of the parent class, ensuring proper
initialization and method overriding behavior.
• Benefits and Pitfalls: Inheritance promotes reuse and hierarchy but can lead to complex dependencies if
overused or misstructured.
Polymorphism: One Interface, Many Forms
• What is Polymorphism?: Polymorphism allows different classes to be treated through the same interface,
enabling flexibility and scalability in design.
• Types of Polymorphism: Python supports compile-time (via method overloading) and runtime (via
method overriding) polymorphism, though true overloading is limited.
• Duck Typing in Python: Python’s dynamic typing enables duck typing: if it walks like a duck and quacks
like a duck, it’s treated like one.
• Function Overriding: Subclasses can override parent class methods to implement specialized behavior
while retaining the same method signature.
• Polymorphism in Action: Using the same method name with different behaviors across classes simplifies
interfaces and increases code reusability.
Abstraction: Simplifying Complexity
• What is Abstraction?: Abstraction involves hiding the complex implementation details and showing only
the essential features to the user.
• Benefits of Abstraction: It reduces complexity, enhances code readability, and isolates change to specific
parts of the program.
• Abstract Classes in Python: Python supports abstraction via the `abc` module and abstract base classes,
which define interfaces that subclasses must implement.
• Interfaces and Responsibilities: Abstraction helps define clear interfaces and responsibilities, allowing
different classes to share consistent expectations.
• Real-World Example: Think of a car: drivers use pedals and a wheel without knowing the mechanics under
the hood—this is abstraction in action.
Python Classes: Syntax & Structure
• Defining a Class: A class is defined using the `class` keyword, followed by a name and an optional base
class: `class MyClass:`
• Attributes and Methods: Attributes store object data, while methods define behavior. The first argument
of methods in a class is conventionally `self`.
• Instantiating Objects: Objects are created by calling the class like a function: `obj = MyClass()` creates a
new instance.
• Instance vs. Class Variables: Instance variables are unique to each object, while class variables are shared
across all instances.
• Docstrings and Comments: Python supports inline documentation using triple quotes for docstrings to
describe class purpose and usage.
