Cooperative Object-Oriented Programming in Python

In this article we will investigate the objectoriented features of the Python programming language. Python supports encapsulation with limited information hiding; it has full support in polymorphism and inheritance. Therefore, Python fits the definition of object-oriented programming languages. On the other hand, there are some “add-on” features that are commonly available in many main-stream object-oriented languages but are missing in Python. We will examine these features and, whenever possible, provide “work-around” so the user can enjoy the benefits of these missing features. We call this “cooperative object-oriented programming” because when we “simulate” these features, we often need to advise the users not to trespass into the forbidden zone so that the “work-around” can function as expected.