Unit_4_Part_1_Writing Classes

Class

A blueprint for creating objects, providing initial state (data) and behavior (methods) for those objects.

Object

An instance of a class that has state and behavior defined by its class.

Encapsulation

The practice of restricting access to certain details of an object, exposing only what is necessary for an external interface.

Instance Data

Variables declared at the class level, unique to each object instance.

Constructor

A special method used for initializing new objects of a class, having the same name as the class.

Accessor Method

A method that returns the value of an instance variable.

Mutator Method

A method that changes the value of an instance variable.

Visibility Modifiers

Keywords in Java that control the accessibility of classes, methods, and variables (e.g., public, private, protected).

UML Class Diagram

A graphical representation of a class, its attributes, operations, and relationships with other classes.

ToString Method

A method that returns a string representation of an object, useful for debugging and logging.

Black Box

An encapsulated object that hides its internal workings, exposing only methods for interaction.

Local Data

Variables declared within a method, accessible only within that method.

Public Method

A method that can be called from outside the class, typically exposing the object's services.

Private Variable

A variable that can only be accessed within its own class, enforcing encapsulation.

MAX (in context of Die class)

A constant representing the maximum face value of a die, typically set to 6.

Support Method

A method that assists a service method but is not intended to be called by clients.