class
software blueprint for implementing objects of a given type
instance fields
maintains the current state of the object (aka instance variables or data
fields)
methods
provide both the behaviors of the object and the operations that
manipulate the object. When called, a method usually performs a
specific task.
encapsulation
combining an object's data and methods into a single unit
constructor
creates an object of the class;
it always has the same name as the class;
the constructor has no return type;
can have several constructors as long as the parameter list is different
for each
default constructor
constructor that has no arguments (parameters).
initialization
constructor
constructor that sets the instance fields to values passed into the
method in the parameter list
accessor method
does not alter the object's instance variables (state);
returns some information about the object
aka "getter
mutator methods
changes the state of an object by modifying at least one of the instance
variables
aka "setter
object instantiaton
creating a new object using the "new" reserved word.
the object is created with a variable referencing that object.