Python Example Class and Data Encapsulation

class_and_data_encapsulation.py

"""
This Gist demonstrate with a simple example
Classes and data encapsulation in python
"""
# Here, I create a class bankAccount
class bankAccount:
# Every new instance of bankAccount created must have a name, accountNumber and balance
# The __init__ method is a special method in python which is invoked when the new instance is created
# The self argument is a reference to that particular instance and it is important when invoking any method
  def __init__(self, name, accountNumber, balance):
# Here we set the name property of this instance as the argument passed
# when the class was created (public property).

    self.name = name
# number as accountNumber passed (public property)
    self.number = accountNumber
# __balance as balance passed (__ signifies the property is private)
# This means it can only be accessed from members of the class
    self.__balance = balance
    
# Here is a method within the bankAccount class and this method would have access to the private property __balance
# And that is because it is a member of the current class 'bankAccount'
  def getBalance(self):
    return self.__balance
  

# We create a new instance of bank account with its name, account number and balance
myAccount = bankAccount("Ade", 1101, 10000)

# Prints out "Ade" (public property)
print myAccount.name 

# Prints out 1101 (public property)
print myAccount.number

# print myAccount.__balance Gives and error since __balance is private
#print myAccount.__balance

# Now let is try to get the balance which was private but now accessible
# from a method (getBalance) within its own class

print myAccount.getBalance()
# Now it returns 10000 :)