Java Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Fundamentals

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of Java and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) including the JVM, classes, objects, and common error types.

Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

A tool used to execute Java programs and make Java platform-independent, enabling the "Write Once, Run Anywhere" principle.

Class

A blueprint for creating objects that defines their structure; in code, it starts with the keyword class followed by its name and curly braces { }.

Object

A representation of real-world entities created from a class that can store data and perform actions.

Variable

A named location used to store information that the program needs to use or change, such as $int\,age = 16;$.

Method

A reusable block of code organized to perform specific tasks; in Java, these belong to classes.

Function

A block of code designed to perform a particular task and avoid repeating code; in Java, functions are specifically called methods.

Library

A collection of pre-written classes and methods, such as Scanner and Math, provided so programmers do not have to create everything from scratch.

Encapsulation

The practice of protecting data and controlling how it is accessed or modified using private variables and public getters and setters.

Compile-Time Error

A mistake in the code identified by the compiler before the program runs, such as attempting to store text in an integer variable.

Runtime Error

An error that occurs while the program is executing, such as division by zero ($10 / 0$), which causes the program to crash.