# Properties & Encapsulation — Python Fundamentals: From Basics to Async

Source: https://www.skillbyai.com/en/python/py-properties-encapsulation

> Control attribute access with underscore conventions and @property getters that add validation safely.

## Naming conventions

Python has no true `private` keyword. A leading underscore `_name` signals "internal, don't touch" by convention only.

## @property

`@property` turns a method into an attribute-like getter, so you can add validation without changing how callers use it.

```python
class Circle:
    def __init__(self, radius):
        self._radius = radius

    @property
    def area(self):
        return 3.14159 * self._radius ** 2

c = Circle(4)
print(c.area)   # 50.265... -- called like an attribute, no ()
```