python class(object) vs class

Billy 100 Published: 06/12/2024

python class(object) vs class

I'd be happy to help you with that!

In Python, the keywords class and def are used to define a new object or function respectively. While both terms might seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes in Python programming.

Class (Object)

A class in Python is essentially a blueprint for creating objects. Think of it as a cookie cutter that shapes the characteristics of an object when you create instances from it. In other words, a class defines the attributes and methods (actions) that an object can possess. When you define a class, you are specifying the fundamental structure of an object.

Here's a basic example:

class Dog:

def init(self, name, age):


self.name = name


self.age = age


def bark(self):


print("Woof!")


my_dog = Dog("Fido", 3)


print(my_dog.name)  # prints "Fido"


print(my_dog.age)   # prints 3


my_dog.bark()       # outputs "Woof!"

In this example, Dog is a class that has two attributes (name and age) and one method (bark). When we create an instance of the Dog class, we're creating a new object called my_dog.

Class (Definition)

On the other hand, when you use the keyword class to define a class in Python, you are essentially defining a function-like construct that can be used to group together related functions or methods.

Here's an example:

class Counter:

def init(self):


self.count = 0


def increment(self):


self.count += 1


counter = Counter()


print(counter.count)  # prints 0


counter.increment()


print(counter.count)  # prints 1

In this case, Counter is a class that has two methods (__init__ and increment). When we create an instance of the Counter class, we're creating an object called counter.

Key differences

Now, here are the key differences between these two uses of the keyword class:

Purpose: The first use (class as an object) is to define an object with attributes and methods. The second use (class definition) is to group related functions or methods together. Attributes: In the first case, classes can have attributes that are stored within the class itself. In the second case, classes do not have attributes in this sense; instead, they provide a way to organize and structure code. Methods: Both cases allow you to define methods (actions) within the class. However, methods in the first case are typically used to interact with the object's attributes, whereas in the second case, methods can be used to perform more complex tasks or calculations. Instantiation: In the first case, when you create an instance of the class, it represents a new, separate entity that can have its own state (attributes). In the second case, when you create an instance of the class, it does not represent a new object; rather, it's just another name for the same group of functions or methods.

In summary, Python's class keyword has two distinct meanings: as an object, which defines a blueprint for creating objects with attributes and methods; and as a definition, which groups related functions or methods together. Understanding these differences is crucial to effectively using classes in your Python programming endeavors!

How many objects can be created from a class Python?

I'd be happy to answer your question!

In Python, when you define a class using the class keyword, it's called a blueprint for creating objects. By default, an object (an instance of a class) is created when you use the () operator on the class name, followed by any required arguments. This process is called instantiation.

Now, let's dive into the answer!

According to Python's official documentation, "A class can be used to create multiple objects." In other words, you can create as many instances of a class as you want, and each instance will have its own set of attributes (data) and methods (functions).

In practice, this means that if you define a class called Car, you can create multiple Car objects, each with its own unique characteristics, such as color, make, model, year, and so on. For example:

class Car:

def init(self, color, make, model):


self.color = color


self.make = make


self.model = model

Create the first car object

car1 = Car("Red", "Toyota", "Corolla")


print(car1.color)  # Output: Red


print(car1.make)    # Output: Toyota


print(car1.model)   # Output: Corolla

Create the second car object (different attributes)

car2 = Car("Blue", "Honda", "Civic")


print(car2.color)  # Output: Blue


print(car2.make)    # Output: Honda


print(car2.model)   # Output: Civic

And so on...

As you can see, each Car object has its own set of attributes (color, make, model), and you can create multiple objects with different attribute values.

In Python, there is no theoretical limit to the number of objects that can be created from a class. You can create as many instances as your system's memory allows!

To illustrate this further, imagine a real-world scenario where you're creating Employee objects in a company database:

class Employee:

def init(self, name, department, salary):


self.name = name


self.department = department


self.salary = salary

Create the first employee object

emp1 = Employee("John", "Sales", 50000)


print(emp1.name)  # Output: John


print(emp1.department)  # Output: Sales


print(emp1.salary)     # Output: 50000

Create the second employee object (different attributes)

emp2 = Employee("Jane", "Marketing", 60000)


print(emp2.name)  # Output: Jane


print(emp2.department)  # Output: Marketing


print(emp2.salary)     # Output: 60000

And so on...

In this example, you could create hundreds or even thousands of Employee objects, each with unique attributes (name, department, salary).

So, to answer your question, the number of objects that can be created from a class in Python is theoretically unlimited, as long as there's enough memory available!

I hope this explanation helped clarify things for you!

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