> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://drlilianblot.gitbook.io/introduction-to-programming-with-python/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://drlilianblot.gitbook.io/introduction-to-programming-with-python/classes/glossary.md).

# Glossary

**class:** A user-defined type. A class definition creates a new class object. 

**class object:** An object that contains information about a user-defined type. The class object can be used to create instances of the type.

**indexable class:** an indexable class provides a familiar and intuitive interface for accessing elements within its instances using square brackets notation.

**iterable class:** an iterable class allows traversal of its elements in a systematic way via dunder methods, providing a natural integration with Python's iteration protocols.

**comparable class:** a comparable class provides a meaningful order among its instances.

**instance:** An object that belongs to a class.

**attribute:** One of the named values associated with an object. 

**embedded (object):** An object that is stored as an attribute of another object. 

**shallow copy:** To copy the contents of an object, including any references to embedded objects; implemented by the `copy` function in the `copy` module. 

**deep copy:** To copy the contents of an object as well as any embedded objects, and any objects embedded in them, and so on; implemented by the `deepcopy` function in the `copy` module. 

**object diagram:** A diagram that shows objects, their attributes, and the values of the attributes. 

**prototype and patch:** A development plan that involves writing a rough draft of a program, testing, and correcting errors as they are found. 

**planned development:** A development plan that involves high-level insight into the problem and more planning than incremental development or prototype development. 

**pure function:** A function that does not modify any of the objects it receives as arguments. Most pure functions are fruitful. 

**modifier:** A function that changes one or more of the objects it receives as arguments. Most modifiers are fruitless.

**invariant:** A condition that should always be true during the execution of a program. 

**object-oriented language:** A language that provides features, such as user-defined classes and method syntax, that facilitate object-oriented programming. 

**object-oriented programming:** A style of programming in which data and the operations that manipulate it are organized into classes and methods. 

**method:** A function that is defined inside a class definition and is invoked on instances of that class.

**dunder method:** special methods in Python identified by their names enclosed in double underscores at the beginning and end. Used for operator overloading and interacting with built-in function.

**subject:** The object a method is invoked on.

**operator overloading:** Changing the behaviour of an operator like `+` so it works with a user-defined type. 

**type-based dispatch:** A programming pattern that checks the type of an operand and invokes different functions for different types.

**polymorphic:** Pertaining to a function that can work with more than one type.