Python Encapsulation: Bundling and Hiding Data in Classes

Explore encapsulation in Python, a key concept in object-oriented programming that bundles attributes and methods within a class. Learn how encapsulation hides data members and exposes them through methods, ensuring controlled access to object data. Understand Python's approach using naming conventions for access control, similar to access modifiers in languages like C++ and Java.

Python - Encapsulation

Encapsulation bundles attributes and methods within a single unit. It hides data members from outside access and exposes them through methods, preventing direct access to the object data.

Implementing Encapsulation in Python

In C++ and Java, access modifiers (public, protected, private) restrict access to class members. Python uses naming conventions to achieve similar results.

Example 1: Public Access

Instance variables in Python classes are public by default:

class Student:
   def __init__(self, name="Rajaram", marks=50):
      self.name = name
      self.marks = marks

s1 = Student()
s2 = Student("Bharat", 25)

print("Name: {} marks: {}".format(s1.name, s1.marks))
print("Name: {} marks: {}".format(s2.name, s2.marks))
        

Name: Rajaram marks: 50
Name: Bharat marks: 25
        

Example 2: Private Access

Prefixing a variable name with double underscores makes it private:

class Student:
   def __init__(self, name="Rajaram", marks=50):
      self.__name = name
      self.__marks = marks
   
   def studentdata(self):
      print("Name: {} marks: {}".format(self.__name, self.__marks))

s1 = Student()
s2 = Student("Bharat", 25)

s1.studentdata()
s2.studentdata()
print("Name: {} marks: {}".format(s1.__name, s2.__marks))
        

Name: Rajaram marks: 50
Name: Bharat marks: 25
Traceback (most recent call last):
 AttributeError: 'Student' object has no attribute '__name'
        

What is Name Mangling?

Python uses name mangling to access private members. It changes the variable name to object._class__variable.

# Access private member using name mangling
print(s1._Student__marks)
        

50
        

Python adapts a mature approach to encapsulation by using naming conventions and allowing name mangling for accessing private data when necessary.