Class

Definition

A class is a blueprint for creating objects, encapsulating data for the object and methods to manipulate that data. It allows for the creation of user-defined data structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A class is defined using the 'class' keyword followed by the class name.
2. Classes can contain methods, which are functions defined within a class.
3. Instances of a class are created by calling the class as if it were a function.
4. The '__init__' method initializes an instance's attributes when an object is instantiated.
5. Attributes in classes can be instance variables or class variables, with instance variables being unique to each object.

Review Questions

• What keyword is used to define a class?
• How do you initialize attributes in an instance of a class?
• What is the difference between instance variables and class variables?

Related terms

Instance:

An individual object created using a class blueprint, with its own unique set of attribute values.

__init__ method: A special method in Python classes that initializes new instances of the class, setting initial values for attributes.

Method:

A function defined within a class that operates on instances of that class.