CS-1201 Object Oriented Programming

Classes

• A class is a user-defined data type that serves as a blueprint for creating objects.
• Encapsulates attributes (data) and methods (functions) related to an object.
• Attributes hold the state of an object, while methods define its behavior.
• Memory is allocated only when an object is instantiated from the class.

Objects

• An object is an instance of a class, created based on the class definition.
• Holds specific data that conforms to the structure defined by its class.
• Unique values for attributes can be assigned to each object, resulting in distinct identities.
• Key characteristics include state (defined by attributes), behavior (actions/methods), and identity (uniqueness).

Class Structure

• Visualized as a three-compartment box containing:
  • Class Name (identifier): Represents the class.
  • Data Members (attributes): Static attributes of the class.
  • Member Functions (methods): Dynamic operations of the class.

C++ Class Example

• Example class definition:

  class Car {
      public:
          string brand;
          string model;
          int year;
  
          void start() {
              cout << "Car started";
          }
  };
  

• Demonstrates encapsulation of data members and member functions, aiding in code organization and reusability.