Python Getters and Setters

In Python, getters and setters are used to control access to attributes of a class. They help in encapsulation by hiding the internal representation of an object and controlling how values are read or modified.

Why Use Getters and Setters?

To validate or control values before assigning.
To protect direct access to private variables.
To update internal logic without changing interface.

Example 1: Getter using @property

class Employee:
    def __init__(self, name, salary):
        self.name = name
        self._salary = salary  # protected attribute

    @property
    def salary(self):
        return self._salary

e1 = Employee("Aryan", 50000)
print(e1.salary)

Output:
50000

Example 2: Setter using @property.setter

class Employee:
    def __init__(self, name, salary):
        self.name = name
        self._salary = salary

    @property
    def salary(self):
        return self._salary

    @salary.setter
    def salary(self, value):
        if value < 0:
            print("Invalid salary")
        else:
            self._salary = value

e1 = Employee("Naincy", 60000)
e1.salary = 65000
print(e1.salary)

Output:
65000

Example 3: Validation inside setter

class Employee:
    def __init__(self, name, salary):
        self.name = name
        self._salary = salary

    @property
    def salary(self):
        return self._salary

    @salary.setter
    def salary(self, value):
        if not isinstance(value, (int, float)):
            raise ValueError("Salary must be numeric")
        if value < 0:
            raise ValueError("Salary cannot be negative")
        self._salary = value

e1 = Employee("Jay", 70000)
e1.salary = 80000
print(e1.salary)

Output:
80000

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