Getter and Setters in Python with Example
Getters and setters are methods used to access (get) and modify (set) the private attributes of a class. In Python, while we can directly access variables, we use getters and setters to control access, validate data, or trigger side effects.
When to Use Getters and Setters
- You need to validate data before setting it.
- You want to make a read-only property.
- You plan to add logic when getting/setting (e.g., logging, triggering events).
- You want to hide internal representation and provide a consistent interface.
Let's take basic example of Getters and Setters
class Person:
def __init__(self, name, age):
self.__name = name # Private
self.__age = age # Private
# Getter for name
def get_name(self):
return self.__name
# Setter for name
def set_name(self, new_name):
if isinstance(new_name, str) and new_name:
self.__name = new_name
else:
print("Invalid name")
# Getter for age
def get_age(self):
return self.__age
# Setter for age
def set_age(self, new_age):
if new_age >= 0:
self.__age = new_age
else:
print("Age must be positive")
# Usage
p = Person("Alice", 25)
print(p.get_name()) # Alice
p.set_name("Bob")
print(p.get_name()) # Bob
