213 Creating classes

1. What naming convention is typically used for class names in Python?

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Class names in Python typically use camel case, starting with an uppercase letter. For example: LightSwitch.

1. What does the colon at the end of a class statement indicate in Python?

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The colon indicates that the body of the class definition follows. It is similar to how colons are used after def, if, for and other Python statements.

1. Define a method in Python and describe its characteristics.

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A method is a function defined inside a class. It always has at least one parameter, usually named self, which refers to the specific object calling the method.

1. What is the purpose of the init method in a class?

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The __init__ method is a special method that runs automatically whenever a new object is created from a class. It is typically used to initialise the object’s attributes.

1. Is the init method required in every Python class? Why might you include it anyway?

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The __init__ method is not strictly required, but it is good practice to include it because it provides a clear and consistent place to initialise the attributes of an object when it is created.