Encapsulation

Learning Objectives Define encapsulation and explain its role in data hiding. Differentiate between public and private class members. Create a simple class in Python that demonstrates encapsulation. Implement public 'getter' and 'setter' methods to safely access and modify private data. Apply validation logic within setter methods to protect data integrity. Analyze a code snippet and identify proper or improper use of encapsulation. Think about a TV remote. You press the 'volume up' button without needing to know about the infrared signals or the circuit board inside. 📺 How can we create code that works the same way? This lesson introduces encapsulation, a core principle of Object-Oriented Programming. You will learn how to bundle data and the...

TermDefinitionExample EncapsulationThe practice of bundling data (attributes) and the methods that operate on that data into a single unit called a 'class'. It also involves restricting direct access to some of an object's components.A `Dog` class encapsulates the dog's `name` and `age` (data) along with methods like `bark()` and `fetch()` (operations) into one package. ClassA blueprint or template for creating objects. It defines the properties and behaviors that all objects of that type will have.A `class Car:` blueprint defines that all cars will have a `color` and a `speed`, and can `start_engine()`. ObjectA specific instance of a class. If a class is the blueprint, an object is the actual house built from that blueprint.`my_car = Car()` creates an actual car objec...

Declaring Private Attributes class MyClass: def __init__(self): self.__private_variable = 10 In Python, prefix an attribute name with a double underscore (`__`) inside the `__init__` method to make it private. This signals that it should only be accessed or modified by the class's own methods. The Getter Method Pattern def get_variable(self): return self.__private_variable A public method created to provide read-only access to a private attribute. Its only job is to return the value of the private attribute, allowing outside code to see it without being able to change it. The Setter Method Pattern def set_variable(self, new_value): if new_value > 0: # Validation logic self.__private_variable = new_value A public method created to a...