public name

In Python, a public name refers to any attribute, method, variable, class, object, or module that is intended to be used from outside its immediate scope.

Python doesn’t have a strict mechanism to distinguish between public and private names like Java or C++ have. Therefore, it uses the terms public and non-public names.

The language relies on a naming convention where public names are those that don’t start with a single leading underscore (_), signaling that they’re part of the code’s public API. Dunder names like .__init__() are a separate case. The interpreter defines them, so their leading underscores don’t mark them as non-public.

A module can also declare its public API explicitly by listing names in its __all__ attribute. Even with __all__ set, PEP 8 still calls for a single leading underscore on internal names.

Example

Here’s an example of a class with public attributes and methods:

Python animals.py 
class Dog:
    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name  # Public attribute
        self.age = age  # Public attribute

    def speak(self):  # Public method
        return f"{self.name} says Woof Woof!"

# Usage
buddy = Dog("Buddy", 5)
print(buddy.name)
print(buddy.speak())

In this example, .name, .age, and .speak() are public names, meaning you can access and use them from outside the Dog class.

Single and Double Underscores in Python Names

Tutorial

Single and Double Underscores in Python Names

Learn Python naming conventions with single and double underscores to design APIs, create safe classes, and prevent name clashes.

intermediate best-practices python

For additional information on related topics, take a look at the following resources:

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By Leodanis Pozo Ramos • Updated Sept. 12, 2026
Python Glossary Share Feedback