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Designing classes

Here is a clear, complete, and exam-ready explanation of Designing Classes in Python.


Designing Classes in Python

A class is the basic building block of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python.
Designing classes means creating blueprints that define:

✔ Data (Attributes)
✔ Behavior (Methods)
✔ How objects should be created
✔ How data should be used and modified


What is a Class? (Exam Definition)

A class in Python is a blueprint or template for creating objects. It defines the data (variables) and the functions (methods) that operate on that data.

Objects are created from classes.


Key Elements of Class Design

When designing a class, we typically define:

  1. Class Name
  2. Attributes (Data members)
  3. Methods (Functions inside class)
  4. Constructor (__init__)
  5. Access Modifiers (public, private)
  6. Object creation

Let’s break each one clearly.


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1. Defining a Class

Syntax:

class ClassName:
    # attributes + methods

Example:

class Student:
    pass

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2. Constructor (__init__ method)

A constructor initializes object attributes when an object is created.

class Student:
    def __init__(self, name, roll):
        self.name = name
        self.roll = roll

self refers to the current object
✔ This method runs automatically during object creation


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3. Attributes (Data Members)

Attributes store information about the object.

Types of Attributes:

A. Instance Attributes

Belong to each object individually.

self.name = name
self.roll = roll

B. Class Attributes

Shared by all objects.

class Student:
    college = "ABC College"

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4. Methods (Member Functions)

Methods define the behavior of the class.

Example:

class Student:
    def __init__(self, name, marks):
        self.name = name
        self.marks = marks

    def display(self):
        print("Name:", self.name, "Marks:", self.marks)

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5. Creating Objects

s1 = Student("Amit", 90)
s2 = Student("Rita", 85)

s1.display()
s2.display()

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6. Access Modifiers (Public, Private)

Python uses naming conventions:

✔ Public attribute

Accessible everywhere:

self.name

✔ Private attribute

Use double underscore __:

self.__marks = marks

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7. Example: Designing a Complete Class

Class: BankAccount

class BankAccount:
    def __init__(self, acc_no, name, balance=0):
        self.acc_no = acc_no
        self.name = name
        self.balance = balance

    def deposit(self, amount):
        self.balance += amount
        print("Deposited:", amount)

    def withdraw(self, amount):
        if amount <= self.balance:
            self.balance -= amount
            print("Withdrawn:", amount)
        else:
            print("Insufficient Balance!")

    def display(self):
        print("Account No:", self.acc_no)
        print("Name:", self.name)
        print("Balance:", self.balance)

Creating Objects:

acc1 = BankAccount(101, "Ravi", 5000)
acc1.deposit(2000)
acc1.withdraw(1500)
acc1.display()

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8. Good Class Design Practices

✔ Use meaningful class names
✔ Use a constructor to initialize important attributes
✔ Keep data private if needed
✔ Use methods to modify or access data
✔ Keep each class focused on a single purpose


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9. Why Class Designing Is Important?

✔ Organizes code
✔ Models real-world entities
✔ Improves reusability
✔ Helps in building large applications
✔ Provides structure and clarity


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Exam-Ready Short Answer

Designing classes in Python involves defining a class with a meaningful name, creating a constructor, adding attributes for storing data, and writing methods that perform operations on that data. Objects are created from classes, and they represent real-world entities. Good class design ensures modular, reusable, and maintainable code.