Java Vocab Comp 167

abstract class

A class that can't be instantiated and may contain abstract methods.

abstraction

Hiding complex details to show only essentials.

abstract method

A method with no body, defined in an abstract class or interface.

accessor/getter

A method that returns the value of a private field.

actual parameter

The real value passed to a method.

aggregation

A "has-a" relationship between classes.

AnimationTimer

JavaFX class for creating real-time animations.

Application

The base JavaFX class to start GUI apps.

ArrayList

A resizable array in Java’s collections framework.

array

A fixed-size, ordered collection of elements.

binary

Base-2 number system (0 and 1).

block

A group of code enclosed in braces {}.

BorderPane

JavaFX layout with five regions (top, bottom, etc.).

Button

JavaFX UI component users can click.

Byte code

Code compiled from Java and run by the JVM.

catch block

Catches and handles exceptions in try-catch.

checked exception

An exception that must be handled or declared.

class

A blueprint for creating objects.

class contract

Expected behavior of a class, including methods and rules.

Code memory

Memory storing bytecode used by the JVM.

Color

JavaFX class to define colors.

command-line arguments

Inputs passed to main() via terminal.

Comparable

Interface for comparing objects (e.g., compareTo).

concrete class

A fully implemented class that can be instantiated.

constructor

Initializes a new object.

constructor chaining

One constructor calls another in the same class.

deep copy

A full copy of an object and its fields.

default

A keyword for default cases in switch, or default interface methods.

dynamic binding

Method call resolved at runtime.

equals

Method to check object content equality.

encapsulation

Restricting direct access to fields (using private).

event-driven programming

Code reacts to user actions (like clicks).

Exception

A problem that interrupts normal program flow.

explicit casting

Forcing a conversion between types.

finally clause

Always runs after try or catch.

FlowPane

JavaFX layout placing nodes in a flow (left to right).

for loop

A loop with init, condition, and update in one line.

garbage collection

Automatic memory cleanup in Java.

GridPane

JavaFX layout that arranges nodes in a grid.

HBox

JavaFX layout that arranges nodes horizontally.

immutable

Unchangeable object once created.

implicit casting

Automatic type conversion.

inheritance

One class gains the properties of another.

Insertion sort

Sorting by inserting elements into correct position.

instance

A single object of a class.

interface

A collection of abstract methods a class can implement.

interning

Reusing instances, especially with strings.

JavaFX

Java's library for building GUI apps.

JVM

Java Virtual Machine that runs bytecode.

lambda expression

Concise syntax for writing anonymous methods.

layout

Arranges UI components in JavaFX.

linear

Step-by-step progression, often in search or structure.

linked list

List of nodes connected by pointers.

MouseListener

Listens for mouse events.

MouseMotionListener

Listens for mouse movement.

mutator/setter

A method that updates a private field.

no-arg

A method or constructor that takes no parameters.

null

Represents a non-existent or uninitialized object.

Object

The base class of all Java classes.

overloading

Same method name, different parameters.

overriding

Replacing a superclass method in a subclass.

package

Groups related classes and interfaces.

pass-by-reference

Passing object references to methods.

pass-by-value

Passing a copy of a value to methods (Java uses this for primitives).

polymorphism

One interface, many implementations.

primitive

Basic data types like int, double, char.

procedural programming

Programming with procedures/functions.

private

Accessible only within the class.

properties

JavaFX object attributes with change listeners.

protected

Accessible in class, package, and subclasses.

public

Accessible from anywhere.

reference

A pointer to an object.

runtime heap

Memory for objects created during runtime.

runtime stack

Stores method calls and local variables.

Scene

JavaFX container for visual content.

scope

Where a variable can be accessed.

Selection sort

Sorting by repeatedly selecting the smallest element.

Shallow copy

Copies object reference, not actual data.

StackPane

JavaFX layout that stacks children on top of each other.

Stage

JavaFX top-level window.

start()

JavaFX method called to start the application.

static

Belongs to the class, not an instance.

StringBuffer

Mutable string class (thread-safe).

StringBuilder

Mutable string class (not thread-safe).

stub

A placeholder method or class.

super()

Calls parent class’s constructor.

Swing

Older Java GUI framework before JavaFX.

this()

Calls another constructor in the same class.

throws clause

Declares checked exceptions a method might throw.

try block

Code to try for exceptions.

UML

Unified Modeling Language; used for class diagrams.

VBox

JavaFX layout that arranges nodes vertically.

Wrapper

Object versions of primitive types.

==

Checks if two references point to the same object.