A class in computer programming, particularly in object-oriented programming (OOP), is a blueprint or template that defines the shared characteristics and behaviors of objects created from it. It specifies the variables (state) and methods (behavior) that the objects, or instances, will have
. Key points about a class:
- It groups data (attributes or variables) and functions (methods) that operate on the data into a single unit
- Each object (instance) created from the class has its own copy of the instance variables, but shares the structure and behavior defined by the class
- Classes support inheritance, meaning a class can be based on another class (superclass), inheriting its properties and behaviors while adding or modifying some
- Classes help organize and structure code, making it reusable and easier to manage, especially in complex programs
- Some languages treat classes themselves as objects, allowing classes to be manipulated at runtime
In summary, a class is a fundamental concept in OOP that defines the structure and behavior common to a category of objects, enabling the creation of multiple instances with similar properties and functions.
