Python Inner Classes
An inner class is a class defined inside another class. The inner class can access the properties and methods of the outer class.
Inner classes are useful for grouping classes that are only used in one place, making your code more organized.
Example
class Outer:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Outer Class"
class Inner:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Inner Class"
def display(self):
print("This is the inner class")
outer = Outer()
print(outer.name)
Accessing Inner Class from the Outside
To access the inner class, create an object of the outer class, and then create an object of the inner class:
Example
class Outer:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Outer"
class Inner:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Inner"
def display(self):
print("Hello from inner class")
outer = Outer()
inner = outer.Inner()
inner.display()
Accessing Outer Class from Inner Class
Inner classes in Python do not automatically have access to the outer class instance.
If you want the inner class to access the outer class, you need to pass the outer class instance as a parameter:
Example
class Outer:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Emil"
class Inner:
def __init__(self, outer):
self.outer = outer
def display(self):
print(f"Outer class name: {self.outer.name}")
outer = Outer()
inner = outer.Inner(outer)
inner.display()
Practical Example
Inner classes are useful for creating helper classes that are only used within the context of the outer class:
Example
class Car:
def __init__(self, brand, model):
self.brand = brand
self.model = model
self.engine = self.Engine()
class Engine:
def __init__(self):
self.status = "Off"
def start(self):
self.status = "Running"
print("Engine started")
def stop(self):
self.status = "Off"
print("Engine stopped")
def drive(self):
if self.engine.status == "Running":
print(f"Driving the {self.brand} {self.model}")
else:
print("Start the engine first!")
car = Car("Toyota", "Corolla")
car.drive()
car.engine.start()
car.drive()
Multiple Inner Classes
A class can have multiple inner classes:
Example
class Computer:
def __init__(self):
self.cpu = self.CPU()
self.ram = self.RAM()
class CPU:
def process(self):
print("Processing data...")
class RAM:
def store(self):
print("Storing data...")
computer = Computer()
computer.cpu.process()
computer.ram.store()
