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Topic: SIMPLE OOP VOCAB LIST AND FAQ (Read 501 times) |
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madmerv
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SIMPLE OOP VOCAB LIST AND FAQ
« on: Nov 26th, 2003, 5:42pm » |
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OOP (object orient programming)
This means Polymorphism, Inheritance and the use of Classes, Properties, Constructors and Methods.
It also means "Child Objects", "Parent Objects", and the distinction between public and private methods and properties.
Finally, the use of the term "Class Heirarchy" when in reference to Inheritance.
What is polymorphism?
Polymorphism is a theoretical concept of computer science which allows abstracted data types to take on new forms; such as the example in the programming language lingo, where every variable can be set to every other variable with few exceptions.
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci212803,00.html
What is a class?
An object definition, similar to a typedef or struct in C. Where it differs in its ability to INHERIT properties, and the distinction between public and private. Also, unlike a standard data structure, class data structures usually have constructors; special methods within a class which provide "defaults" for the class.
EXAMPLE:
class Blah {
int property;
void constructor() {
}
int method() {
}
}
What is an object?
An instance of a class.
Syntactically, <object>.<property|method>
What is a method?
A function contained within a class.
What is a property?
A variable contained within a class definition.
What is a constructor?
A special function called when the object is created (in java, with a new <object>() expression) -- constructor functions sometimes take a series of parameters which tweak the creation of an object.
What is Inheritance and Class Heirarchy?
Inheritance is the ability of one object to mask its methods and properties to another "child" object. The "parent" object is the precursor Class and its properties and methods are transferred down to the "child" object, which can then augment the parent class.
The existence of parent and child objects is also referred to as "Class Heirarchy"
What is a function "overload"?
An alternative mapping of the function to an alternative set of parameters.
What is "public" versus "private"?
Think of these terms as being synonymous to "internal" and "external" -- public methods and properties can be referenced by other objects, while private properties and methods can only be referenced within the class itself.
VOCABULARY WRAP UP:
Polymorphism
Class
Object
Inheritance
Class Heirarchy
Methods
Properties
Constructors
Child
Parent
Public
Private
Good luck!
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| « Last Edit: Nov 26th, 2003, 5:45pm by madmerv » |
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