Is Python Object Oriented or Procedural?

Python is a multi-paradigm programming language that supports both Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Procedural Programming. As a high-level, general-purpose language, Python allows developers to choose the programming style that best fits their needs.

You can write programs that are largely procedural, object-oriented, or even functional in Python. The flexibility to switch between paradigms makes Python suitable for various applications, from simple scripts to complex enterprise systems.

Object-Oriented Programming in Python

Python supports all core OOP concepts including classes, objects, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Here's an example demonstrating OOP principles ?

class Rectangle:
    def __init__(self, length, breadth, unit_cost=0):
        self.length = length
        self.breadth = breadth
        self.unit_cost = unit_cost
    
    def get_perimeter(self):
        return 2 * (self.length + self.breadth)
    
    def get_area(self):
        return self.length * self.breadth
    
    def calculate_cost(self):
        area = self.get_area()
        return area * self.unit_cost

# Create a Rectangle object
# breadth = 120 cm, length = 160 cm, 1 cm^2 = Rs 2000
rectangle = Rectangle(160, 120, 2000)
print("Area of Rectangle: %s cm^2" % (rectangle.get_area()))
print("Cost of rectangular field: Rs. %s" % (rectangle.calculate_cost()))

Area of Rectangle: 19200 cm^2
Cost of rectangular field: Rs. 38400000

Procedural Programming in Python

Python also supports procedural programming using functions, loops, and control structures. Here's the same rectangle calculation using a procedural approach ?

def get_area(length, breadth):
    return length * breadth

def get_perimeter(length, breadth):
    return 2 * (length + breadth)

def calculate_cost(length, breadth, unit_cost):
    area = get_area(length, breadth)
    return area * unit_cost

# Using procedural approach
length = 160
breadth = 120
unit_cost = 2000

area = get_area(length, breadth)
cost = calculate_cost(length, breadth, unit_cost)

print("Area of Rectangle: %s cm^2" % area)
print("Cost of rectangular field: Rs. %s" % cost)

Area of Rectangle: 19200 cm^2
Cost of rectangular field: Rs. 38400000

Comparison

Conclusion

Python's multi-paradigm nature allows you to choose between object-oriented and procedural programming based on your project requirements. Use OOP for complex applications requiring data encapsulation and inheritance, or procedural programming for simpler, linear tasks.