# Python Classes and OOP

Python is an object-oriented programming language. Almost everything in Python is an object, with its own properties and methods.

## Creating a Class

```python
class MyClass:
    x = 5

p1 = MyClass()
print(p1.x)
```

## The `__init__()` Function

All classes have a function called `__init__()`, which is always executed when the class is being initiated. Use it to assign values to object properties.

```python
class Person:
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name
        self.age = age

    def myfunc(self):
        print("Hello my name is " + self.name)

p1 = Person("John", 36)
p1.myfunc()
```

## The `self` Parameter

The `self` parameter is a reference to the current instance of the class, and is used to access variables that belong to the class. It does not have to be named `self`, you can call it whatever you like, but it has to be the first parameter of any function in the class.

## Inheritance

Inheritance allows us to define a class that inherits all the methods and properties from another class.

```python
# Parent Class
class Person:
    def __init__(self, fname, lname):
        self.firstname = fname
        self.lastname = lname

    def printname(self):
        print(self.firstname, self.lastname)

# Child Class
class Student(Person):
    def __init__(self, fname, lname, year):
        super().__init__(fname, lname)
        self.graduationyear = year

x = Student("Mike", "Olsen", 2019)
x.printname()
```

[[programming/python/python]]