10 Essential Insights About Python Classes Every Developer Should Know

1. Understanding the Basics:

Class vs. Instance: A class is a blueprint for creating objects (instances). Each instance has its own attributes and methods defined by the class.

init Method: This is the constructor method, called automatically when an object is created. It’s used to initialize the object’s state.

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

2. Self Parameter:

The self parameter refers to the instance calling the method. It allows access to the instance’s attributes and methods within the class.

class Dog:
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name
        self.age = age
    
    def bark(self):
        print(f"{self.name} says woof!")

3. Class vs. Instance Attributes:

Instance Attributes: Defined in the init method and are unique to each instance.

Class Attributes: Shared across all instances of the class.

class Dog:
    species = "Canis lupus familiaris"  # Class attribute
    
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name  # Instance attribute
        self.age = age

4. Method Types: