Teaching Tip: Information Hiding


In Python, Information hiding is by convention
All objects declared in a module can be accessed by importers
Names beginning with _ are not copied over in a from...import *

Pluses
Makes independent testing of modules easier
Eliminates visibility constraints (public, protected, private, static, etc.)

Minuses
Language does not enforce the discipline

Bottom-line: Teaching the conventions is easier
The concept is introduced when students are ready for it
Simply saying "don't do that" is sufficient (when grades are involved).