What is encapsulation in Python?

What is encapsulation in Python?

Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that restricts access to certain components of an object. In Python, it is typically achieved using private and protected attributes.

Can you give me an example of encapsulation in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Car:
    def __init__(self, model):
        self.__model = model  # private attribute

    def get_model(self):
        return self.__model  # public method to access private attribute

my_car = Car('Toyota')
print(my_car.get_model())  # Output: Toyota

What are the benefits of using encapsulation?

Encapsulation helps in protecting the internal state of an object, reduces complexity, and increases code maintainability by exposing only necessary parts of an object.

How does encapsulation differ from inheritance?

Encapsulation is about bundling data and methods that operate on that data within one unit, while inheritance is a mechanism to create a new class based on an existing class, inheriting its attributes and methods.