Python Fundamentals
Classes
Austin Bingham Robert Smallshire
@austin_bingham @robsmallshire
[email protected] [email protected] Presenter
Classes in Python
You can get a long way with
Python’s builtin types.
But when they’re not right for the
job, you can use classes to create
custom types.
Structure and Behavior
Classes define the structure and
behavior of objects.
An object’s class controls its
initialization.
Classes are a Tool
Classes make complex problems
tractable.
Classes can make simple solutions
overly complex.
Classes are a Tool
Classes make complex problems
tractable.
Classes can make simple solutions
overly complex.
l et s y o u fin d t he
Pyth o n
right b a l a n c e .
class
used to define new classes
class
used to define new classes
t i o n , c l a ss n a m es
By conven
use Cam e l C a s e .
Methods
Method: Functions defined
with a class
Instance method: functions
which can be called on objects
self: the first argument to all
instance methods
__init__()
instance method for initializing new objects
Initialization
__init__() is an initializer, not a
constructor.
self is similar to this in C++ or
Java.
Why _number?
Why _number?
1. Avoid name clash with
number()
Why _number?
1. Avoid name clash with
number()
2. By convention,
implementation details start
with _
Public!
Private!
Protected!
We’re all consenting adults here.
Class Invariants
Truths about an object that
endure for its lifetime.
seat letters
A B C D E F G H J
3
rows
6
Law of Demeter
Never call methods on objects you
get from other calls.
Only talk to your friends.
Moment of Zen
Complex is better
than complicated.
Many moving parts
Combined in a clever box
Are now one good tool
Seating Data Structure
list
0 1 2 3
Rows
None
dict dict
Seats A B C D E A B C D E
string string string string
“Bob” “Fred” “Mary” “Tina”
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
Unpack seating plan
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
Use first entry to account for offset
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
One entry for each row in the aircraft
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
Discard the row numbers
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
Dictionary comprehensions
rows, seats = self._aircraft.seating_plan()
self._seating = [None] + [ {letter:None for letter in seats} for _ in rows ]
List comprehension
New requirement:
Boarding card printer
New requirement:
Boarding card printer
f e e l c o m p e l l e d t o
Don’ t
c l a s s e s w i t h o u t
crea t e
goo d r e a s o n
Tell! Don’t ask.
Tell objects what to do.
Don't ask for their
state and base your actions on
that.
Polymorphism
Using objects of different types
through a common interface.
Duck Typing
“When I see a bird that walks like a duck and
swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I
call that bird a duck.”
- James William Riley
Duck Typing
“When I see a bird that walks like a duck and
swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I
call that bird a duck.”
- James William Riley
e c t’ s “ fit n e s s f o r
An ob j
is d e t e r m i n e d a t
purpos e ”
the tim e o f u s e .
Inheritance
A sub-class can derive from a
base-class, inheriting its behavior
and making behavior specific to
the sub-class.
Inheritance
A sub-class can derive from a
base-class, inheriting its behavior
and making behavior specific to
the sub-class.
on , i nh e r i t a n c e i s
In Pyt h
u s e f u l f o r s h a r i n g
most
implemen t a t i o n .
Loose coupling is great!
Loose coupling is great!
wink-wink, nudge-nudge
Classes Summary
All types in Python have a 'class'
Classes define the structure and behavior of an object
Class is determined when object is created
normally fixed for the lifetime
Classes are the key support for Object-Oriented Programming in Python
Classes defined using the class keyword followed by CamelCase name
Class instances created by calling the class as if it were a function
Instance methods are functions defined inside the class
Should accept an object instance called self as the first parameter
Methods are called using instance.method()
Syntactic sugar for passing self instance to method
The optional __init__() method initialized new instances
If present, the constructor calls __init__()
__init__() is not the constructor
Arguments passed to the constructor are forwarded to the initializer
Classes Summary
Instance attributes are created simply by assigning to them
Implementation details are denoted by a leading underscore
There are no public, protected or private access modifiers in Python
Accessing implementation details can be very useful
Especially during development and debugging
Class invariants should be established in the initializer
If the invariants can't be established raise exceptions to signal failure
Methods can have docstrings, just like regular functions
Classes can have docstrings
Even within an object method calls must be preceded with self
You can have as many classes and functions in a module as you wish
Related classes and global functions are usually grouped together this way
Polymorphism in Python is achieved through duck typing
Polymorphism in Python does not use shared base classes or interfaces
Class inheritance is primarily useful for sharing implementation
All methods are inherited, including special methods like the initializer
Exception Handling – Summary
Strings support slicing, because they implement the sequence protocol
Following the Law of Demeter can reduce coupling
We can nest comprehensions
It can sometimes be useful to discard the current item in a comprehension
When dealing with one-based collections it's often easier just to waste one
list entry.
Don't feel compelled to use classes when a simple function will suffice
Comprehensions or generator expression can be split over multiple lines
Statements can be split over multiple lines using backslash
Use this feature sparingly and only when it improves readability
Use “Ask! Don’t tell.” to avoid tight coupling between objects
