Java is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, so understanding classes and objects is fundamental. Here's a quick guide:
What is a Class?
A class is a blueprint for creating objects. It defines:
- Properties (data members)
- Methods (functions)
- Constructors (initialization logic)
// Example: A simple Java class
public class Dog {
// Attributes
String breed;
int age;
// Method
public void bark() {
System.out.println("Woof! 🐶");
}
}
What is an Object?
An object is an instance of a class. For example:
Dog myDog = new Dog(); // Creating an object
myDog.breed = "Golden_Retriever";
myDog.age = 5;
myDog.bark(); // Calling a method
Key Concepts
- Encapsulation: Bundling data and methods into a single unit.
- Inheritance: Reusing code via parent-child relationships.
- Polymorphism: Using a single interface for different data types.
Practical Tips
- Use
new
to instantiate objects. - Access modifiers (
public
,private
) control visibility. - Override methods for custom behavior.
For deeper insights, check our Java OOP Principles guide. Happy coding! 🚀