Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the toString()
method in Java?
What is the primary purpose of the toString()
method in Java?
What principle is illustrated by the concept of an object being 'self-governing' and only allowing data modification through specific methods?
What principle is illustrated by the concept of an object being 'self-governing' and only allowing data modification through specific methods?
What does the term 'instance data' refer to within the context of a class?
What does the term 'instance data' refer to within the context of a class?
What is the primary role of a constructor in a class?
What is the primary role of a constructor in a class?
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What is the primary benefit of using modifiers like final
in Java?
What is the primary benefit of using modifiers like final
in Java?
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Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between a class and an object?
Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between a class and an object?
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What does the term 'encapsulation' mean in the context of object-oriented programming?
What does the term 'encapsulation' mean in the context of object-oriented programming?
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Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of encapsulation in Java?
Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of encapsulation in Java?
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Which visibility modifier grants access to members only within the declaring class?
Which visibility modifier grants access to members only within the declaring class?
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Which statement BEST describes the purpose of accessor methods?
Which statement BEST describes the purpose of accessor methods?
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In Java, which of the following is NOT a valid return type for a method?
In Java, which of the following is NOT a valid return type for a method?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of local variables that distinguishes them from instance variables?
Which of the following is a characteristic of local variables that distinguishes them from instance variables?
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Given the following code snippet, what is the correct way to call the 'calculateSum' method from another class?
Given the following code snippet, what is the correct way to call the 'calculateSum' method from another class?
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What is the purpose of a 'return' statement within a method?
What is the purpose of a 'return' statement within a method?
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Why should methods be designed to perform a single, well-defined task?
Why should methods be designed to perform a single, well-defined task?
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In a method declaration, what does the 'void' return type signify?
In a method declaration, what does the 'void' return type signify?
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What is the primary difference between a constructor and a regular method?
What is the primary difference between a constructor and a regular method?
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Which statement is TRUE regarding the use of constructors?
Which statement is TRUE regarding the use of constructors?
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What is the primary purpose of mutator methods?
What is the primary purpose of mutator methods?
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Which of the following is NOT a valid declaration for a record class?
Which of the following is NOT a valid declaration for a record class?
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Why is the use of records encouraged for immutable data structures?
Why is the use of records encouraged for immutable data structures?
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What is the primary reason for using 'protected' visibility modifier for a member?
What is the primary reason for using 'protected' visibility modifier for a member?
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Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of constants in Java?
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of constants in Java?
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In the context of methods, what is the significance of the 'parameter list'?
In the context of methods, what is the significance of the 'parameter list'?
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Flashcards
Class
Class
A blueprint defining object structure and behavior.
Object
Object
An instance of a class that stores data and can modify it.
Instance Variables
Instance Variables
Data specific to each object created from a class.
Constructor
Constructor
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toString() Method
toString() Method
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Encapsulation
Encapsulation
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Instance Data
Instance Data
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Modifiers
Modifiers
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Visibility Modifiers
Visibility Modifiers
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public
public
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private
private
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protected
protected
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default visibility
default visibility
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Accessor Method
Accessor Method
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Mutator Method
Mutator Method
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Method
Method
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Method Header
Method Header
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Return Statement
Return Statement
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Argument vs. Parameter
Argument vs. Parameter
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Record in Java
Record in Java
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Immutable State
Immutable State
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Study Notes
Classes and Objects
- Classes define the structure and behavior of objects.
- Objects are instances of classes, storing data in instance variables.
- Objects have state (attributes) and behavior (operations).
Anatomy of a Class
- Classes contain data (variables) and methods (procedures).
- Data declarations specify the data stored in each object.
- Method declarations define the services objects provide.
Special Methods
- Constructor: Initializes a new object, has the same name as the class, and is called automatically when an object is created.
toString()
(and other overrides): Customize how an object is represented as a string (e.g., for printing). Overriding methods lets you customize behavior for general operations.
Instance Data
- Variables declared outside methods are instance data.
- Instance data is unique to each object instance.
- Instance data can be accessed from anywhere within the class.
Encapsulation
- Encapsulation keeps object data internally controlled.
- Objects interact only through provided methods.
Visibility Modifiers
public
: Accessible from any class.private
: Accessible only within the class itself.protected
: Accessible by the class, subclasses, and in the same package.default
(no modifier): Accessible only in the same package.- Instance variables should be
private
. - Local variables cannot have visibility modifiers.
- Constants can be
public
if needed.
Accessors and Mutators
- Accessors (getters): Retrieve the values of instance variables.
- Mutators (setters): Modify the values of instance variables. Setters should validate input.
Anatomy of a Method
- A method is a collection of statements in a class.
- Method calls transfer control to the method.
- Method Header: Includes visibility, return type, method name, and parameter list.
- Parameters are formal parameters.
- Arguments are actual parameters passed to the method.
- Method Body: 包含本地變量声明,语句和表达式(以及返回语句)。
- Local variables are accessible only within the method.
- Multiple return statements are generally discouraged unless needed.
- Methods should ideally perform a single, focused task.
Invoking a Method
- From outside a class:
object.methodName(arguments)
- From within a class:
methodName(arguments)
Constructors Revisited
- Constructors are special methods invoked when creating objects.
- Constructor name matches the class name.
- Constructors have no return type.
- Java provides a default no-parameter constructor if not defined.
- Multiple constructors can exist in a class.
Records
- Records are specialized immutable classes for data.
- Records automatically generate private instance variables, accessor methods, and
toString()
,equals()
, andhashCode()
methods. - Use records for immutable data structures, when data needs accessibility, and to signal intent (compiler optimizations, concurrency).
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of classes and objects, including their structures, behaviors, and special methods like constructors and toString()
. Test your understanding of encapsulation and instance data as you navigate through key programming principles.