KwickClips Python · 39 sec · free
What does one underscore mean?
Short answer. Internal, by convention; please do not touch it from outside.
Is a double-underscore name truly private?
No, Python only renames it.
Underscore names
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| balance | public |
| _balance | internal |
| __balance | name mangled |
Remember
| One underscore: a convention |
| Two: renamed, not truly private |
Why do some names start with an underscore? It is a warning. Plain names are public. One underscore says, internal, leave it alone. Two underscores make Python rename it. One underscore is a habit. Renamed is not truly private.
This clip is from the full lesson: Encapsulation and Polymorphism in Python — 8 minutes, with the tables, the quick answers and the whole lesson in text.
Useful for: ICSE Class 10 Computer Applications, Programming All levels Python, Programming All levels Python, Programming All levels Java
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