In Python, Access modifiers for Python are used to define the scope and visibility of class members (variables and methods). They help in implementing the concept of encapsulation in object-oriented programming. Unlike some languages, Python doesn’t enforce strict rules but follows a convention-based approach.
class MyClass:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Public"
self._age = 25
self.__salary = 50000
In short, Python relies on naming conventions rather than strict enforcement. Developers are expected to follow these practices to maintain clean, secure, and understandable code.
- Public Members:
By default, all members in Python are public. They can be accessed from anywhere in the program. Example:
class MyClass:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Public"
- Protected Members:
Members prefixed with a single underscore _variable are considered protected. They should not be accessed directly outside the class, but Python still allows it. This is more of a convention.
self._age = 25
- Private Members:
Members with double underscores __variable are treated as private. Python uses name mangling to make them harder to access outside the class.
self.__salary = 50000
In short, Python relies on naming conventions rather than strict enforcement. Developers are expected to follow these practices to maintain clean, secure, and understandable code.