What are the differences between class and object
A class and an object are fundamental concepts in object-oriented programming, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Here are the key differences between a class and an object:
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Definition and Purpose:
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Class: A class is a blueprint or template that defines the structure and behavior of objects. It encapsulates the attributes (fields) and behaviors (methods) that objects of that class will have.
- Object: An object is an instance of a class. It is a concrete realization of the blueprint defined by the class, and it holds specific values for the attributes and can perform actions through the methods.
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Declaration:
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Class: A class is declared with 'class' keyword.
- Object: An object is declared with class name and 'new' keyword.
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Abstraction:
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Class: A class provides an abstract representation of a concept or entity, defining its attributes and behaviors without specific values or actions.
- Object: An object is a concrete, tangible representation of a specific instance of the concept or entity defined by the class. It holds actual data and can perform actions.
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Usage:
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Class: A class is used as a blueprint to create multiple objects with similar attributes and behaviors. It defines the common structure and functionality shared by its instances.
- Object: An object is used to interact with the program. It holds data specific to an instance and can perform operations defined by the class.
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Creation:
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Class: A class is defined in code and serves as a template. It doesn't occupy memory until objects are instantiated from it.
- Object: An object is created in memory when the program instantiates it from a class. It takes up memory space to store its data.
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Memory Usage:
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Class: A class doesn't consume memory during program execution. It only occupies memory in the code.
- Object: Objects consume memory while the program is running, as they store actual data.
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Instance Count:
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Class: A class can be used to create multiple instances (objects) with distinct data.
- Object: Each object represents a specific instance and has a unique identity.
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Relationship:
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Class: Classes define the common attributes and behaviors shared by objects.
- Object: Objects hold the specific data and perform actions based on the definitions in the class.
In summary, a class defines a blueprint that specifies the attributes and behaviors that objects will have, while an object is an instance created from that blueprint, holding actual data and performing actions. Classes provide the structure and objects provide the actual instances in a program.