Python: Classes and Objects

Name: Python: Classes and Objects
Author: Jeremy Kurtz

How to program in Python using classes and objects.

Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 3 lessons.

Course: On-Demand

In this lesson, we're going to start a refresher on classes and objects. So the first thing we wanna do is we're going to take the Python file, that we ended up with and erase everything, and we're going to save it as, and now we're going to talk and create a very simple class. So first off, what is a class? Well, a class is kind of like how you're going to lay out the different variable types, and how they're handled. Experience says the best way to define what a class and what an object is, is to understand them as almost like user-defined variable types. So we have things like strings and integers, and floating point numbers, but we can also make our own. To make it you have to create a class. So to do that we use the word class. Next to it we're gonna say what kind of class is it? What's the name we wanna give it. And I'm gonna say let's call it instructor. So we have a class and the class name is instructor. And then we follow that with a colon, and now we establish some parameters associated with it. So say for example we have the instructors name. So it would be name, and then we can assign to it a value, let's say that that value is Jeremy. So now we've created a class. Once your class is created, we wanna create an object and to create an object, we merely have to create a variable, and then assign it to our class. So to keep it so it's easily understood, we're gonna create a variable called teacher, and we're going to make teacher equal instructor. (keyboard typing) And since it's a class that we're calling, we want to put parentheses after it. And then below that we can say, let's print, (keyboard typing) teacher.name. Now we're going to save this and run it. And you'll see that it prints out Jeremy. So what is the value of this? The value of classes exists inherently in the language of Python. It is object oriented. So when we create a class, we're creating something that's very native to the programming language and used quite a bit. So it understands it, it makes sense, and over time as we understand some of the nuances, it really makes the language much more powerful. In our next lesson, we are going to talk about the method. See you then.

Intermediate Provider : Jeremy Kurtz 3 Lessons · 18m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

This module begins with a refresher on classes and objects covered in the beginner Python class. Instructor Jeremy Kurtz goes over these concepts and how you can use them when programming in Python. From there, you’ll learn about methods and init. This module will also touch on how to create user-defined methods using functions. A class is how you lay out variable types and how they are handled. Classes are native to the programming language and used quite a bit. Throughout this module, you’ll learn how to enhance your own program using these skills.

What You'll Learn

Review the core concepts behind classes and objects in Python
Use classes to lay out variable types and define how they are handled
Apply methods and the init prebuilt function within Python
Create user-defined methods using functions
Enhance your own Python programs using object-oriented programming skills

Key Takeaways

The module opens with a refresher on the classes and objects introduced in the beginner Python class.
A class is how you lay out variable types and how they are handled, and classes are native to Python and used frequently.
Init is a prebuilt function within Python covered in this module.
You can create your own user-defined methods using functions.
These skills can be used to enhance your own programs when programming in Python.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this Python module cover?

It covers a refresher on classes and objects, methods and init, and creating user-defined methods using functions, taught across the lessons Class and Object, Methods and Init, and Creating User Defined Methods Using Functions.

Who teaches this module?

The module is taught by instructor Jeremy Kurtz.

Do I need prior Python experience?

The module begins with a refresher on classes and objects covered in the beginner Python class, so familiarity with those beginner concepts is assumed.

What is a class in Python according to this course?

A class is how you lay out variable types and how they are handled; classes are native to the programming language and used quite a bit.

What skills will I build in this module?

You will build skills in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Python, programming concepts, object code, and software modules.