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In Java, classes are fundamental building blocks of object-oriented programming. A class is a blueprint or template that defines the structure and behavior of objects. It serves as a blueprint for creating instances or objects of that class.

Here are some key points about classes in Java:

  1. Class Declaration: A class is declared using the class keyword, followed by the class name. The class name should start with an uppercase letter and follow naming conventions (e.g., CamelCase).

    Code Block
    languagejava
    public class MyClass {
        // class members and methods
    }
  2. Class Members: A class can contain various members, including fields (variables), methods, constructors, and nested classes. These members define the attributes and behavior of objects created from the class.

  3. Fields: Fields are variables declared within a class, representing the state or data associated with objects of that class. Fields can be of any valid Java data type.

    Code Block
    languagejava
    public class MyClass {
        private int myField; // field declaration
    }
  4. Methods: Methods are functions defined within a class that perform specific operations or actions. They define the behavior of objects of that class. Methods can have parameters (input values) and a return type (output value).

    Code Block
    languagejava
    public class MyClass {
        public void myMethod() {
            // method implementation
        }
    }
  5. Constructors: Constructors are special methods used to initialize objects of a class. They have the same name as the class and are called when an object is created. Constructors can have parameters to initialize the object with specific values.

    Code Block
    languagejava
    public class MyClass {
        public MyClass() {
            // constructor implementation
        }
    }
  6. Object Creation: Objects are instances of a class created using the new keyword. The new keyword allocates memory for the object and calls the constructor to initialize it.

    Code Block
    languagejava
    MyClass obj = new MyClass(); // Object creation
  7. Class Inheritance: In Java, classes can inherit properties and methods from other classes. This is achieved using the extends keyword to create a subclass (child class) that inherits from a superclass (parent class).

    Code Block
    languagejava
    public class MySubclass extends MyClass {
        // subclass members and methods
    }
  8. Access Modifiers: Classes, fields, and methods can have access modifiers (public, private, protected, or default) to control their visibility and accessibility from other parts of the program.

  9. Encapsulation: Java classes support encapsulation, which means bundling related data and methods together, and providing access to them through well-defined interfaces (public methods). Encapsulation helps in data hiding and maintaining code integrity.

Classes in Java play a crucial role in organizing and structuring code, promoting reusability, and implementing object-oriented concepts like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. They provide a blueprint for creating objects with specific attributes and behaviors, enabling modular and scalable development.

Class = Blueprint

Objects and Classes

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