What is the difference between class and object in Java?


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During your IT interview, you may be asked about the difference between class and object in Java. Let us tell you everything you need to know about this to ace your interview.

What Is a Class in Java?

In Java, a class is a fundamental blueprint that defines the objects included in it. As such, it is comprised of methods, variables, and fields that describe various properties that the objects included in that class share. The main aim of the class is to define the data and behavior of an object.

When a class is instantiated, it generates an object that meets the main behavioral criteria that have been defined as specific to that class. All the data associated with a class in Java is stored in the form of variables. The methods are those that define the behavior of the objects that point out that it is included in a certain class.

To get a better idea of what a class means in Java, we?re going to take an example. Let?s take a class meant to describe triangles. All the objects featured in this class would meet all the display criteria of a triangle. The class would include variables such as angles, vertical height, or base length. This class could also feature a method that could calculate the area or the triangle.

What Is an Object in Java?

The first thing that you should know about Java is that it is an object-oriented programming language. This means that the main features it includes are objects. Every object in Java has a state and a behavior, just like objects in the real world.

For example, a bird has certain characteristics that define its state, such as color, species, or size. But it also has certain characteristics that define its behavior, such as flying, chirping, singing, or running. Exactly like this, in Java, an object?s state is defined by using variables and its behavior is defined through methods.

What is the Difference between Class and Object in Java?

The main thing you should remember is that object is a single instance in Java, whilst a class is a blueprint that defines all the objects included in it. A class is a template that can be used to generate new objects that follow the main patterns shared by the other objects in that class.

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