What is the difference between a class and an object in Python?
Rashid D

In Python, a class and an object are fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming. Here's a detailed explanation of the differences between a class and an object: Class: - Definition: A class is a blueprint or a template that defines the structure and behavior of objects. It is a user-defined data type that encapsulates data (attributes) and functions (methods) that operate on that data. - Purpose: Classes serve as a blueprint for creating multiple instances (objects) with similar properties and behavior. They define the common characteristics and behavior that objects of that class will possess. - Features: A class can have attributes (variables) and methods (functions). The attributes represent the data associated with the class, while the methods define the operations and behavior that the class can perform. - Example:

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class Car:
    def __init__(self, brand, color):
   self.brand = brand
   self.color = color

    def drive(self):
   print("Driving the", self.color, self.brand, "car.")

# Creating objects (instances) of the Car class
car1 = Car("Toyota", "red")
car2 = Car("Honda", "blue")

In this example, theCar class defines the blueprint for creating car objects. It has attributes (brand andcolor) and a method (drive()) that defines the behavior of a car object. The objectscar1 andcar2 are instances of theCar class, representing specific cars with their own unique data. Object (Instance): - Definition: An object is an instance of a class. It is a specific entity created based on the class blueprint, possessing its own unique data and behavior. - Purpose: Objects represent individual entities that can interact with each other and perform operations defined by the class. - Features: Objects have their own state (values of attributes) and behavior (methods) based on the class they are created from. They can access and modify the attributes and invoke the methods defined by their class. - Example:

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car1.drive()  # Output: Driving the red Toyota car.
car2.drive()  # Output: Driving the blue Honda car.

In this example,car1.drive() andcar2.drive() are method invocations on the objectscar1 andcar2, respectively. Each object has its own unique data (brand andcolor) and can invoke the methods defined by theCar class. Summary: In summary, a class is a blueprint or a template that defines the structure and behavior of objects. It represents a general concept. On the other hand, an object is a specific instance of a class that possesses its own state and behavior. Objects are created based on the class blueprint and can interact with each other and invoke the methods defined by their class. Understanding the difference between a class and an object is essential for writing object-oriented code and leveraging the benefits of encapsulation, abstraction, and modularity provided by object-oriented programming.

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