What is the difference between encapsulation and inheritance in Python?

What is the difference between encapsulation and inheritance in Python?

Encapsulation is the bundling of data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, like a class. Inheritance, on the other hand, allows a class to inherit attributes and methods from another class, promoting code reuse.

Can you give me an example of encapsulation in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

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

    def get_info(self):
        return f'{self.__make} {self.__model}'

In this example, __make and __model are encapsulated within the Car class.

And what about inheritance? Can you show me that too?

Absolutely! Here's an example of inheritance:

class Vehicle:
    def start(self):
        return 'Vehicle started'

class Car(Vehicle):
    def honk(self):
        return 'Honk!'

In this case, Car inherits from Vehicle, so it can use the start method.

How do encapsulation and inheritance work together?

They complement each other well. Encapsulation protects the internal state of an object, while inheritance allows for extending functionality. You can encapsulate data in a base class and then inherit from it in derived classes, maintaining a clean and organized code structure.