Object oriented programming

Classes in Python, and in other object-oriented programming languages, are not simply a way to "club similar functions together." While they do allow for the grouping of related functions (which are known as methods when they're inside a class), they offer much more than that. The key advantages of using classes include:

1. **Encapsulation**: Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming. It refers to the bundling of data with the methods that operate on that data. In Python, a class encapsulates data (which are referred to as attributes) and functions (which are referred to as methods). This makes it easy to manage and manipulate complex data structures.

2. **Inheritance**: Inheritance is another key concept in object-oriented programming. It allows a class to inherit the attributes and methods of another class, which can reduce code duplication and enhance code reusability. This can make your code easier to read, write, and maintain.

3. **Polymorphism**: Polymorphism allows methods to act differently based on the object they're acting on. For example, you might have a method in a parent class that gets overridden by a method in a child class. This can make your code more flexible and extensible.

4. **Abstraction**: Abstraction is a process of hiding the complex details and showing only the essential features of the object. Classes allow for higher levels of abstraction in your code. You can define the methods and attributes that a class should have, and then use objects of that class without having to worry about how those methods and attributes are implemented.

5. **Object Instances**: Each object instance of a class comes with its own attributes and methods. This means that you can create multiple objects from the same class, each with its own state and behavior.

6. **Data Hiding**: Classes can also hide data from the outside world. This is often referred to as information hiding or data encapsulation. Private attributes and methods can only be accessed from within the class, which can prevent the state of an object from being modified in unexpected ways.

In summary, classes provide a means of bundling data and functionality together. Creating a new class creates a new type of object, allowing new instances of that type to be made. Each class instance can have attributes attached to it for maintaining its state. Class instances can also have methods (defined by its class) for modifying its state. This provides a means of structuring your code in a way that is robust, reusable, and maintainable.