Python: Private Variables and Methods

# Demonstrates private variables and methods


class Critter(object):
    """A virtual pet"""
    def __init__(self, name, mood):
        print "A new critter has been born!"
        self.name = name            # public attribute
        self.__mood = mood          # private attribute


    def talk(self):
        print "\nI'm", self.name
        print "Right now I feel", self.__mood, "\n"


    def __private_method(self):
        print "This is a private method."


    def public_method(self):
        print "This is a public method."
        self.__private_method()


# main
crit = Critter(name = "Poochie", mood = "happy")
crit.talk()
crit.public_method()


Source:
http://www.java2s.com/Code/Python/Class/Demonstratesprivatevariablesandmethods.htm