Day 20: Accessing Python Class Object Attributes

Understanding the 'self' Keyword in Python Classes

In Python classes, the 'self' keyword is used to access the attributes and methods of an object from within the object's class. It refers to the instance of the class and is used to distinguish the instance's attributes and methods from those of the class itself.

To access the attributes of an object from within the class, use the 'self' keyword followed by the attribute name. Similarly, to access the methods of an object from within the class, use the 'self' keyword followed by the method name.

Accessing Attributes and Methods with 'self' in Python Classes

class Dog:
    def __init__(self, name, breed):
        self.name = name 
        self.breed = breed 

    def bark(self):
        print("Woof!") 

    def show_info(self):
        # Accessing attributes with 'self'
        print(f"Name: {self.name} Breed: {self.breed}") 

dog = Dog("Fido", "Labrador")
dog.show_info() 
# Output: "Name: Fido Breed: Labrador"

In the above example, the 'show_info' method uses the 'self' keyword to access the 'name' and 'breed' attributes of the 'Dog' instance.

Using 'self' to Access Methods in Python Classes

class Dog:
    def __init__(self, name, breed):
        self.name = name 
        self.breed = breed 

    def bark(self):
        print("Woof!")

    def show_info(self):
        print(f"Name: {self.name} Breed: {self.breed}") 

    def do_bark(self):
        # Accessing method with 'self'
        self.bark()
        print("Barking!")

dog = Dog("Buddy", "Poodle")
dog.do_bark()  # Output: "Woof! Barking!"

In this example, the 'do_bark' method uses the 'self' keyword to call the 'bark' method of the 'Dog' instance.

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