In which situations is it preferable to use a class in Python?

Python classes are preferred when you need to:

• Combine data and behavior (methods) in one structure.
• Create objects with a mutable state.
• Implement encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
• Organize code for reuse and extensibility.

For example, if you need to describe an entity "Car" with characteristics and methods:

class Car:
    def __init__(self, make, model):
        self.make = make
        self.model = model

    def drive(self):
        print(f"{self.make} {self.model} is driving")

car = Car("Toyota", "Camry")
car.drive()  # Toyota Camry is driving

If the task is simple and does not require state or methods, you can use functions or data structures.