Computer Science - Java Programming Basics

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental Java and Object-Oriented Programming concepts based on a course worksheet.

Scope

Where a variable exists in a program.

Class

A blueprint used to create objects.

Object

A specific instance of a class.

Primitive Type

Basic data types like $int$ and $boolean$.

Static Method

A method called on a class, not an object.

Instance Variable

A variable each object gets its own copy of.

Constructor

Special method that creates objects.

Instance Method

A method that defines what an object can do.

Visibility

Controls access (public vs private).

Package

A group of related classes.

Local variable

A variable that only exists inside a method.

Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

A programming style that focuses on objects and their data/actions.

State

Refers to the data of an object.

Behavior

Refers to the actions of an object.

Client

A program that uses a class, such as using the $String$ class.

Static Variable

A variable shared by all objects of a class.

$$this$$

The keyword used to refer to the current object.

$$super$$

The keyword used to refer to the parent class.

Method Overriding

When a subclass replaces a method from its parent class.

Abstract class

A class that cannot be instantiated.

Method Overloading

When multiple methods have the same name but require different parameter lists.

Shadowing

A situation that occurs when two variables have the same name within overlapping scopes.

Polymorphism

The concept that one method or object can behave differently or take many forms.

Getter

A method used to retrieve or read the data of an object.

Setter

A method used to change or update the data of an object.