Understanding Class Variables and Instance Variables in Python

Differentiating Between Shared and Unique Data in Your Python Classes

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Class variables and instance variables are two essential concepts in Python’s object-oriented programming paradigm. While both types of variables store data within a class, they serve different purposes and have distinct scopes.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between class variables and instance variables, providing clear explanations and practical examples to illustrate their usage in Python.

Understanding Class Variables

Class variables are variables that are shared among all instances of a class. They are defined within the class definition but outside of any method definitions, and they are accessed using the class name. Class variables are useful for storing data that is common to all instances of a class, such as configuration settings or shared resources.

Example of Class Variables:

Let’s illustrate class variables with a simple example:

class Dog:
    species = "Canis familiaris"  # Class variable

    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name           # Instance variable
        self.age = age…