Object Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python is a programming approach where software is built using objects that represent real world entities. Each object is created from a class which acts as a blueprint defining its data (attributes) and behavior (methods).
Why Do We Need Object Oriented Programming?
In the early days of programming, developers wrote code line by line variables and functions were all here and there. Data was scattered across the program.
This worked for small scripts, but as applications grew larger (such as social media platforms) this spaghetti code became difficult to manage, maintain, and scale.
Object Oriented Programming solves this problem by organizing code into structured, reusable components.
Understanding OOP with a Real World Example…
Object Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python is a programming approach where software is built using objects that represent real world entities. Each object is created from a class which acts as a blueprint defining its data (attributes) and behavior (methods).
Why Do We Need Object Oriented Programming?
In the early days of programming, developers wrote code line by line variables and functions were all here and there. Data was scattered across the program.
This worked for small scripts, but as applications grew larger (such as social media platforms) this spaghetti code became difficult to manage, maintain, and scale.
Object Oriented Programming solves this problem by organizing code into structured, reusable components.
Understanding OOP with a Real World Example
Think about the creation of a human being. There is a basic biological blueprint that defines what makes a human:
- Heart
- Brain
- Lungs.
While individuals may differ in appearance, the core structure remains the same.
In Python terms:
- The Blueprint = Class: A Class defines common properties and behaviours.
- The Human = Object: A real instance created from a class is called an Object. Each object is unique, but all objects follow the same structure defined by the class.
What Is a Class in Python?
A class in Python is a template used to create objects. It generally defines two things:
- Attributes: Data or properties (e.g., eye color, height).
- Methods: Functions that describe behavior (e.g., walking, talking).
Classes help developers write clean, organized, and reusable code.
What Is an Object in Python?
An object in Python is a real instance created from a class. While a class is just a blueprint, an object is the actual thing that exists and can be used in a program.
Each object:
- Contains its own data (attributes)
- Can perform actions using methods defined in the class
- Is independent and unique, even if it is created from the same class
For example, if a class represents a Human, then different people are objects of that class. They all share common features defined in the class, but their values (such as name, age, or height) can be different.
In simple words:
- Class = Blueprint
- Object = Real-world instance created from that blueprint
Objects allow programs to work with real-world concepts, making code more organized, reusable, and easier to understand.
Why Is It Called Object Oriented Programming?
It is called Object-Oriented Programming because programs are designed as a collection of organized, purposeful objects rather than just a loose list of instructions. This approach makes software easier to understand, maintain, and expand.
Summary
- OOP in Python uses objects to represent real-world entities.
- A Class is a blueprint or template defining attributes (data) and methods (behaviour).
- An Object is a real instance created from a class each object is unique but follows the same structure.
- Early programming worked for small scripts but as applications grew this line by line code turned into unmanageable spaghetti code
- OOP helps organize code, making it reusable, maintainable, and scalable.
- Real-world analogy: Humans are like objects created from a blueprint (class), with core features like a heart, brain, and lungs.
- Object Oriented Programming is called “object-oriented” because it treats programs as a collection of organized, purposeful objects.
- Benefits of OOP: Clean code, better structure, easy maintenance, and improved scalability.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand the theory, are you ready to code? In the next blog, we will write our first Python Class and Object.
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