OOP Terminology in Python


  • Class − A user-defined prototype for an object that defines a set of attributes that characterize any object of the class. The attributes are data members (class variables and instance variables) and methods, accessed via dot notation.
  • Class variable − A variable that is shared by all instances of a class. Class variables are defined within a class but outside any of the class's methods. Class variables are not used as frequently as instance variables are.
  • Data member − A class variable or instance variable that holds data associated with a class and its objects.
  • Function overloading − The assignment of more than one behavior to a particular function. The operation performed varies by the types of objects or arguments involved.
  • Instance variable − A variable that is defined inside a method and belongs only to the current instance of a class.
  • Inheritance − The transfer of the characteristics of a class to other classes that are derived from it.
  • Instance − An individual object of a certain class. An object obj that belongs to a class Circle, for example, is an instance of the class Circle.
  • Instantiation − The creation of an instance of a class.
  • Method − A special kind of function that is defined in a class definition.
  • Object − A unique instance of a data structure that's defined by its class. An object comprises both data members (class variables and instance variables) and methods.
  • Operator overloading − The assignment of more than one function to a particular operator.

Updated on: 30-Jan-2020

2K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements