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64. Encapsulation Basics

1. Introduction​

Encapsulation is about restricting access to certain data or methods in a class.
Python uses naming conventions instead of strict enforcement.

2. Public Attributes​

Accessible everywhere.

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

p = Person("Alice")
print(p.name)

3. Protected Attributes​

Prefix with _ (convention: treat as internal use).

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self._name = name

p = Person("Bob")
print(p._name)  # accessible but discouraged

4. Private Attributes​

Prefix with __ triggers name mangling.

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self.__name = name

p = Person("Eve")
# print(p.__name)  # ❌ AttributeError
print(p._Person__name)  # still accessible

5. Getters and Setters​

Control access with methods.

class Person:
    def __init__(self, name):
        self.__name = name
    def get_name(self):
        return self.__name
    def set_name(self, name):
        self.__name = name

6. Using @property​

class Person:
    def __init__(self, age):
        self._age = age

    @property
    def age(self):
        return self._age

    @age.setter
    def age(self, value):
        if value >= 0:
            self._age = value

p = Person(20)
p.age = 30
print(p.age)

7. Next Steps​

✅ You now understand encapsulation basics.
Next: Mini project — Student and Course Manager.