Difference Between Objects and Classes
Objects and classes are used in the object oriented programming languages like Java, .NET , C++, etc.
Objects
An object (which can be a variable, value, data structure or a function) is any thing that can be utilized by with the help of commands in a programming language. In an object oriented environment, object is also called as instance of a class. Both of them are closely related to each other. In real world, TV, bicycle, desk and other entities are objects. There are different methods that are used to access the objects of a class. The entire interaction happens through the object’s methods – this is a process called data encapsulation. The objects are also utilized for hiding data or code.
Benefits that the objects have when used in the code:
1. Making debugging easy– If there is any problem due to the object, it can be removed from the code easily. In the vacant position a different object can be plugged in.
2. Hiding Information– When there is interaction through any of the methods of the object the code or internal implementation is hidden from the users.
3. Reuse of code – If there is a code that is written by some other programmer then also it can be used in a separate program thus, making these objects reusable. This gives the experts the liberty to sort out and implement task specific and complex objects that is useful in the code.
4. Modularity – The objects provides a modular approach to the field of programming as you get the liberty of writing as well as maintaining their source codes independently
Classes
A concept that is used in object oriented programming languages like C++, PHP, and JAVA etc a class is also used to hold functions apart from holding data. An object is an instant of a class. As far as variables are concerned, the type is the class and the variable is the object. The keyword “class” is used to indicate a class.
A class has the following format.
class CLASS_NAME
{
AccessSpecifier1:
Member-1;
AccessSpecifier2:
Member-2;
…
} OBJECT_NAMES;
In this case, CLASS_NAME is the valid identifier and OBJECT_NAMES represent the names for objects. The body includes the members that can also be functions or data declarations. The keywords for access specifiers can be public, protected or private.
1. There are no restrictions to the use of public members.
2. The access of protected members is possible within same classes or from friend classes.
3. The private members can be accessed only within the same class.
When the class keyword is used the access by default becomes private.