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Defining Classes

Classes group data and behavior into a single blueprint. Instances (objects) are created from classes and hold their own state. Object-oriented design helps model real-world concepts and encapsulate related functions.

class Point:
    def __init__(self, x, y):
        self.x = x
        self.y = y

    def move(self, dx, dy):
        self.x += dx
        self.y += dy

    def __repr__(self):
        return f"Point({self.x}, {self.y})"

classdef Point
  properties
    x
    y
  end
  methods
    function obj = Point(x, y)
      obj.x = x;
      obj.y = y;
    end
    function obj = move(obj, dx, dy)
      obj.x = obj.x + dx;
      obj.y = obj.y + dy;
    end
  end
end

Gotchas

  • Remember to initialize instance state (Python __init__, Matlab constructor).
  • Be explicit about self / returning modified objects (Matlab methods often return the modified object for value-like semantics).
  • Keep classes focused; don't cram unrelated behavior into a single class.