Classes and Objects Overview

What is a Class?

A class can be thought of as a blueprint for creating something. It defines the structure and behavior of what you are going to create, which in programming terms is called an object.

• Attributes: also known as data members, these are the properties that define the state.
• Methods: also known as function members, these are the functions or actions that can be performed.

Example

Imagine a class as a recipe for a cake. The recipe specifies what ingredients and steps are needed to make the cake but is not the cake itself.

What is an Object?

An object is an instance of a class. When a class is defined, no memory is allocated until an instance of that it is created. An object represents a specific example or instance of a class, with actual values assigned to its attributes.

Example

Continuing the cake analogy, an object is the actual cake made using the recipe (class) and the each cake would be unique based on the attributes.

Relationship Between Classes and Objects

Objects are created from a class and each object has its own identity, state, and behavior. Classes and objects have a fundamental relationship where:

• classes define the structure and capabilities.
• objects are specific instances that embody the class definition.