Methods

Objects can store data with attributes.

Objects can also perform actions.

These actions are called methods.

What Is a Method?

A method is a function inside a class.

It belongs to the objects created from that class.

Real Example

A car can:

• start
• stop
• drive

A bank account can:

• deposit
• withdraw
• check balance

These actions are methods.

Why Methods Matter

Methods help you keep related actions inside the class.

This makes code cleaner and easier to manage.

Basic Structure

class ClassName:
    def method_name(self):
        print("Hello")

What Is self?

self means the current object.

It lets the method work with that object’s data.

First Method Example

class Dog:
    def bark(self):
        print("Woof")

pet = Dog()
pet.bark()

Output

Woof

Example: Car Method

class Car:
    def start(self):
        print("Car started")

car1 = Car()
car1.start()

Output

Car started

Method Using Attributes

class Student:
    def show_name(self):
        print(self.name)

tom = Student()
tom.name = "Tom"

tom.show_name()

Output

Tom

Why self Is Needed

Inside show_name(), self.name means:

Use the name of the current object.

More Than One Object

class Student:
    def show_name(self):
        print(self.name)

tom = Student()
tom.name = "Tom"

sara = Student()
sara.name = "Sara"

tom.show_name()
sara.show_name()

Output

Tom
Sara

Method with Parameters

Methods can accept extra values.

class Greeter:
    def say_hi(self, name):
        print("Hello", name)

g = Greeter()
g.say_hi("Tom")

Output

Hello Tom

Code Along

Create a class called Book.

Add a method named show_title() that prints self.title.

Mini Challenge

Create a class called Phone.

Steps:

• Create method show_info()

• Print:

  • brand
  • model

Create one object with:

• brand = Apple
• model = iPhone

Run the method.

Expected output:

Apple
iPhone

Real World Use Case

Apps use methods for login, payments, saving data, moving game characters, and updating accounts.

Quiz

1. What is a method?
2. What does self mean?
3. Can methods use attributes?
4. Why are methods useful?

Assignment

Create a class called BankAccount with a method show_balance().

Summary

You learned that methods are functions inside classes and allow objects to perform actions.