Tutorial #8

cults3d

Let's Get Started! In this tutorial, we'll be covering some advanced topics in Python programming. Don't worry if you're new to Python - these concepts will help take your skills to the next level. **What is a Class?** A class is essentially a blueprint for creating objects. Think of it like a cookie cutter for making cookies. Just as a cookie cutter determines the shape and size of each cookie, a class determines the properties and behavior of each object created from it. Here's an example: ```python class Car: def __init__(self, color, model): self.color = color self.model = model my_car = Car("red", "Toyota") print(my_car.color) # Output: red print(my_car.model) # Output: Toyota ``` In this example, we define a `Car` class with two attributes: `color` and `model`. When we create an instance of the `Car` class (called `my_car`), we can access its attributes using dot notation. **What is Inheritance?** Inheritance allows us to create new classes based on existing ones. Think of it like a family tree. If you have a parent who owns a car, and your sibling also owns a car, they both inherit the same characteristics (in this case, owning a car). But if your sibling has a red car, you can add more specific details to their car (like a sunroof) without affecting the original car. Here's an example: ```python class Animal: def __init__(self, name): self.name = name class Dog(Animal): def __init__(self, name, breed): super().__init__(name) self.breed = breed my_dog = Dog("Buddy", "Golden Retriever") print(my_dog.name) # Output: Buddy print(my_dog.breed) # Output: Golden Retriever ``` In this example, we define an `Animal` class with a single attribute: `name`. Then, we create a new class called `Dog`, which inherits from the `Animal` class. The `Dog` class adds two more attributes: `breed`. When we create an instance of the `Dog` class (called `my_dog`), it has access to both its own attributes (`breed`) and the ones inherited from the `Animal` class (`name`). **What is Polymorphism?** Polymorphism allows us to use objects of different classes in a single, uniform way. Think of it like a box that can hold different shapes and sizes of toys. Here's an example: ```python class Shape: def area(self): pass class Circle(Shape): def __init__(self, radius): self.radius = radius def area(self): return 3.14 * (self.radius ** 2) class Rectangle(Shape): def __init__(self, width, height): self.width = width self.height = height def area(self): return self.width * self.height shapes = [Circle(5), Rectangle(4, 6)] for shape in shapes: print(shape.area()) ``` In this example, we define a `Shape` class with an abstract method called `area`. Then, we create two new classes: `Circle` and `Rectangle`, which both implement the `area` method. We can then create a list of objects that contain different types of shapes (in this case, `Circle` and `Rectangle`). When we iterate over the list and call the `area` method on each object, Python will use the correct implementation based on the actual class of the object. That's it for today! I hope you learned something new and had fun along the way. Don't forget to practice what you've learned, and feel free to ask me any questions if you're stuck.