What is the difference between a class and an object?

In object-oriented programming, a class and an object are two fundamental concepts that play different roles.

A class is a blueprint or a template that defines the properties (attributes) and behaviors (methods) of a particular type of object. It acts as a blueprint for creating multiple instances of objects with similar characteristics. It encapsulates the common attributes and behaviors that the objects of that class will possess. In simpler terms, a class is like a blueprint for a house, which defines the structure and characteristics of the house but does not represent any physical entity itself.

On the other hand, an object is an instance of a class. It is a concrete entity that represents a specific occurrence or realization of the class. An object is created based on the class definition and contains its own unique set of values for the attributes defined in the class. It can have its own state, behavior, and identity. For example, if a class is defined as "Car," an object of that class could be a specific car with its own unique color, model, and other attributes.

To summarize, the main differences between a class and an object are:

1. Definition: A class is a blueprint or template that defines the properties and behaviors of objects, while an object is an instance of a class.

2. Abstraction: A class represents a general concept or idea, whereas an object represents a specific occurrence or realization of that concept.

3. Creation: A class is created by the programmer during the design phase, whereas an object is created at runtime based on the class definition.

4. Attributes and Behaviors: A class defines the attributes and behaviors that objects of that class will possess, while an object has its own unique set of attribute values and can exhibit specific behaviors.

5. Relationship: A class can have multiple objects created based on its definition, while an object is associated with a specific class.

In summary, a class is a blueprint or template that defines the structure and behavior of objects, while an object is a specific instance of a class with its own unique state and behavior.