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If you’ve been programming in Python for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard the term “object-oriented programming” or OOP thrown around. But what exactly is object-oriented programming? And why should you care as a Python developer?
In short, object-oriented programming is a way of organizing your code into reusable modules called classes. These classes can then be used to create instances of specific data types, known as objects, which have their own unique attributes and behaviors. This approach makes it easier to manage complex projects, promotes code reuse, and leads to more maintainable software over time.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the basics of object-oriented programming in Python, including classes, objects, inheritance, and encapsulation. We’ll also include plenty of code examples along the way so you can see these concepts in action!
Classes vs. Objects
Before we dive into the nitty gritty details of object-oriented programming, let’s take a moment to clarify some terminology. Specifically, the difference between classes and objects.
