Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in Python
Learn to write Python classes with constructors, build subclasses through inheritance, and add equality checks, string output and custom exceptions.
Object-oriented programming in Python structures code around classes, which bundle data with the methods that act on it, as an alternative to purely procedural scripts. It helps you write cleaner, more reusable code. You define classes with attributes, methods and constructors, build subclasses that extend existing behavior, and make your own objects work with Python’s equality checks, string representations and exception handling.
What You Will Achieve
- Write a Python class whose __init__ constructor assigns attributes when each object is instantiated.
- Decide whether data belongs at class level or instance level, and add a class method that serves as an alternative constructor.
- Create subclasses that inherit methods and attributes from a parent class and customize the behavior they receive.
- Define equality and readable string output for your own objects, then raise and catch exception types you designed yourself.
Program Overview
Classes, Objects and Constructors
Introduces object-oriented programming, how it differs from procedural programming, and the parts that make up a class definition.
- OOP terminology and how objects relate to classes
- Attributes and methods inside a class
- The __init__ constructor and its correct use
- Building a class from scratch
Class Data, Inheritance and Polymorphism
Separates class-level from instance-level data and shows how subclasses reuse and adjust what a parent class defines.
- Class attributes versus instance attributes
- Class methods and alternative constructors
- Creating and customizing subclasses
- Inheritance of methods and class attributes
Object Comparison, String Representation and Exceptions
Connects custom classes to standard Python behavior for comparing objects, displaying them as text and handling errors.
- Operator overloading for equality
- Comparison across inherited classes
- String representation of objects
- Catching exceptions and defining custom ones
Certificate Awarded (Paid)
Job Outlook
Classes, inheritance and custom exceptions are used wherever Python code is organized into reusable parts, including software development, data engineering and the upkeep of larger Python projects.
Good for: Python learners ready to move their code into classes, who want short coding exercises on constructors, inheritance and custom exceptions.
Keep in mind: The chapters center on classes, inheritance, object comparison and exceptions; clean-code style and Pythonic conventions get no lessons of their own.
Bottom line: A tightly scoped set of exercises on writing classes, extending them through inheritance and making them fit in with standard Python behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the course is spent writing code?
Many lessons are short coding exercises rather than explanations, such as creating your first class, adding a constructor, customizing a subclass and building a BetterDate class after a lesson on alternative constructors.
Where does the course teach class constructors?
The first chapter introduces the __init__ constructor, shows its correct use and then has you add one to a class, so that attributes are assigned at the moment an object is instantiated.
How are custom exceptions built in the final chapter?
They rely on inheritance. After lessons on catching exceptions, you define your own exception classes based on existing ones, which lets a program respond in a controlled way to unexpected inputs or states.
User Reviews
Write your review
You must be logged in to post a review.
Reviews can only be posted by registered learners. Log in or create a free account, then you will return here to post.


There are no reviews yet.