JavaFX and Object-Oriented Programming Key Concepts for Students

Abstract class

A class that cannot be instantiated and may contain abstract methods.

Abstraction

Hiding implementation details while exposing essential features.

Abstract method

A method without a body that must be implemented in a subclass.

Accessor / Getter

A method that returns a field's value without modifying it.

Actual parameter

The value passed into a method when it is called.

Aggregation

A relationship where one object uses another without owning it.

AnimationTimer

A JavaFX class used to create continuous animations using handle().

Application

The base JavaFX class where all GUI programs start.

ArrayList

A resizable list that stores reference-type objects.

Array

A fixed-size collection that stores elements of the same type.

Binary search

A fast search algorithm that halves the search range on a sorted list.

Block

A group of statements enclosed in braces { }.

BorderPane

A JavaFX layout with top, bottom, left, right, and center regions.

Button

A JavaFX GUI component that users can click.

Byte code

Compiled Java instructions executed by the JVM.

Catch block

A block that handles exceptions thrown in a try block.

Checked exception

An exception that must be handled or declared using throws.

Class

A blueprint used to create objects.

Class contract

The formal description of what a class guarantees to do.

Code memory

The memory area where Java bytecode is stored during execution.

Color

A JavaFX object that represents a color.

Command-line arguments

Values passed into main() from the command line.

Comparable

An interface that allows objects to be compared using compareTo().

Concrete class

A class that can be instantiated and is not abstract.

Constructor

A special method that initializes an object.

Constructor chaining

A process where one constructor calls another using this() or super().

Deep copy

A copy that duplicates all objects with no shared references.

Default

A preset value or switch case used when no other case matches.

Dynamic binding

The process of choosing method calls at runtime.

Equals

A method that compares two objects for logical equality.

Encapsulation

Protecting data using private fields and public methods.

Event-driven programming

A program style controlled by user and system events.

Exception

An error that interrupts normal program execution.

Explicit casting

Manually converting one data type to another.

Finally clause

A block that always runs after try and catch.

FlowPane

A JavaFX layout that arranges items left to right and wraps.

For loop

A loop that runs a set number of times.

Garbage collection

The automatic removal of unused objects from memory.

GridPane

A JavaFX layout that positions nodes in rows and columns.

HBox

A JavaFX layout that arranges nodes horizontally.

Immutable

An object that cannot be modified after creation.

Implicit casting

Automatic type conversion by the compiler.

Inheritance

The process where a class gains properties from another class.

Insertion sort

A sorting algorithm that builds a sorted list one item at a time.

Instance

An object created from a class.

Interface

A structure that defines abstract methods a class must implement.

Interning

A memory-saving technique where identical values share one instance.

JavaFX

A Java library used for building graphical user interfaces.

JVM

The Java Virtual Machine that runs Java programs.

Lambda expression

A short way to write a method using -> syntax.

Layout

The arrangement of GUI components on the screen.

Linear search

A search that checks each element one by one.

Linked list

A collection of nodes where each node links to the next.

MouseListener

An interface that detects mouse actions.

MouseMotionListener

An interface that detects mouse movement.

Mutator / Setter

A method that changes a field's value.

No-arg

A constructor that has no parameters.

Null

A reference that points to no object.

Object

A grouping of data and the methods that operate on it.

Overloading

Using the same method name with different parameter lists.

Overriding

Redefining a parent class method in a subclass.

Package

A grouping of related classes and interfaces.

Pass-by-reference

A concept where a reference to data is passed to a method.

Pass-by-value

A concept where a copy of data is passed to a method.

Polymorphism

The ability of an object to take multiple forms.

Primitive

A basic built-in data type like int or double.

Procedural programming

A style of programming based on procedures.

Private

An access modifier restricting visibility to the same class.

Properties

Characteristics of an object accessed using getters and setters.

Protected

An access modifier allowing visibility in package and subclasses.

Public

An access modifier allowing visibility everywhere.

Reference

A memory address that points to an object.

Runtime heap

The memory where objects are stored during program execution.

Runtime stack

The memory where method calls and variables are stored.

Scene

A JavaFX container that holds all visual components.

Scope

The region of code where a variable is accessible.

Selection sort

A sorting algorithm that selects the smallest element repeatedly.

Shallow copy

A copy that shares object references with the original.

StackPane

A JavaFX layout where objects are stacked on top of each other.

Stage

The main top-level window in a JavaFX program.

Start()

The JavaFX method that launches the GUI.

Static

A keyword meaning the member belongs to the class.

StringBuffer

A thread-safe mutable sequence of characters.

StringBuilder

A fast mutable sequence of characters.

Stub

A method definition without full implementation.

Super()

A call to the parent class constructor.

Swing

An older Java GUI framework.

This()

A call to another constructor in the same class.

Testbench

A program used to test another program.

Throws clause

A part of a method header that declares exceptions.

Try block

A block that contains code that might cause an exception.

UML

A visual diagram system used to model software.

Unit Testing

Testing individual methods or program units.

VBox

A JavaFX layout that arranges nodes vertically.

Wrapper

A class that converts primitives into objects.

==

An operator that compares values or object references.